Klinefelter’s Syndrome By: Steven Hong, Miko Jao

History of Klinefelter’s Klinefelter’s syndrome is named after Dr. Harry Klinefelter, he was the first to describe a group of symptoms found in some men with the extra X chromosome. Researchers discovered that 1 in 500 males have Klinefelter’s. They also found out that not all males that have an extra X chromosome could have the symptoms. Some famous people like, Lili Elbe a Danish transexual model/artist has Klinefelter’s. Another famous person Adele (Matthew) Markham, founder of “silverfish” (foundation for homeless intersex people). Lili Elbe Dr. Harry Klinefelter Adele (Matthew) Markham

Symptoms As babies, they would have weak muscles and reduced strength. Around age 4, they will be taller and have less muscle coordination and control. As they enter puberty, they don’t make as much testosterone as other boys and this causes them to be taller, to be less muscular, have less facial hair and have larger breasts. As adults, they don’t differ much from other males besides the fact they are more likely to have health problems such as autoimmune disorders, breast cancer, vein diseases, osteoporosis, and tooth decay. Also males with Klinefelter’s make littler or no sperm, which makes them infertile.

Genetics Klinefelter’s syndrome is when males have an extra X sex chromosome in most of their cells. The degree of symptoms vary according to the number of cells with extra x chromosomes. So instead of the normal 46,XY pattern they have an 47,XXY pattern. Surprisingly Klinefelter’s syndrome is not inherited, it usually occurs as a random event (mutation) during the formation of reproductive cells (eggs and sperm). Nondisjunction causes the reproductive cell to have an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Lifestyle About 25-85% of males with Klinefelter’s have some sort of language problem: Learning to talk late. Trouble expressing thoughts and needs. Problems reading. Trouble processing what they hear. As babies, they are more quiet and undemanding. As they get older, they are quieter, less self confident, less active, and more helpful and obedient than other boys. In their teens, they have more trouble fitting in with their peers. However, as adults they live somewhat normal lives with friends, family, and normal social relationships. Not only do the victims suffer but their families as well like how each family member takes turns looking over the victims.

Treatments In schools, kids with Klinefelter’s syndrome can get special services like breaking down big problems into smaller steps. A variety of therapists can also reduce or even eliminate some of the symptoms of the XXY condition, such as poor muscle tone, speech, or low self-confidence. To boost up their testosterone levels, males can get a testosterone replacement therapy. Having a normal testosterone level can help develop bigger muscles, deepen the voices, and grow facial and body hair. Some XXY males can also benefit from fertility treatment to help them father children. Klinefelter’s syndrome can’t be prevented.

Works Cited http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/klinefelter_syndrome.cfm http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/klinefelter-syndrome http://www.medicinenet.com/klinefelter_syndrome/discussion-818.htm http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1346474/Klinefelters-syndrome-Adele-Markham-fought-20-years-woman.html?ITO=1490