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Concept
Klinefelter syndrome
Summary
Klinefelter syndrome (KS), also known as 47,XXY, is an aneuploid genetic condition where a male has an additional copy of the X chromosome. The primary features are infertility and small, poorly functioning testicles. Usually, symptoms are subtle and subjects do not realize they are affected. Sometimes, symptoms are more evident and may include weaker muscles, greater height, poor motor coordination, less body hair, breast growth, and less interest in sex. Often, these symptoms are noticed only at puberty. Intelligence is usually average, but reading difficulties and problems with speech are more common.
Klinefelter syndrome occurs randomly. The extra X chromosome comes from the father and mother nearly equally. An older mother may have a slightly increased risk of a child with KS. The syndrome is defined by the presence of at least one extra X chromosome in addition to a Y chromosome yielding a total of 47 or more chromosomes rather than the usual 46. KS is diagnosed by the genetic test known as a karyotype.
While no cure is known, a number of treatments may help. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, counselling, and adjustments of teaching methods may be useful. Testosterone replacement may be used in those who have significantly lower levels. Enlarged breasts may be removed by surgery. Approximately half of affected males have a chance of fathering children with the help of assisted reproductive technology, but this is expensive and not risk free. XXY males have a ~15-fold higher risk of developing breast cancer than typical, but still lower than that of females. People with the condition have a nearly normal life expectancy.
Klinefelter syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal disorders, occurring in one to two per 1,000 live male births. It is named after American endocrinologist Harry Klinefelter, who identified the condition in the 1940s. In 1956, the extra X chromosome was identified as the cause. Mice can also have the XXY syndrome, making them a useful research model.
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