Klinefelter Syndrome

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(47 XXY Syndrome; KS)

Definition

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) occurs in some men who have more than one X chromosome (XXY).
Klinefelter's Syndrome
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Causes

Males usually inherit a single X chromosome from their mother and a single Y chromosome from their father. Males with KS get at least one extra X chromosome.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of KS. Women over age 35 have a slightly increased chance of having a child with KS. There are no other known risk factors for this disorder.

Symptoms

XXY occurs in approximately 1 out of 580 live male births, but many men with it do not develop KS. When KS does develop, it usually goes undetected until puberty or sometimes much later.
Characteristics may include:
  • For babies:
    • Smaller birth weight and slower muscle and motor development
  • For children and adults:
    • Tallness with extra long arms and legs
    • Abnormal body proportions (long legs, short trunk)
    • Enlarged breasts (common)
    • Lack of facial and body hair
    • Small firm testes, small penis
    • Lack of ability to produce sperm (common)
    • Diminished sex drive, sexual dysfunction
    • Social and learning disabilities (common)
    • Personality impairment
    • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    • Normal to borderline IQ
    • Speech and language problems—Children with KS often learn to speak later than other children do. They may have a difficult time reading and writing.
Men with KS have an increased risk of:

Diagnosis

A test called a karyotype is used to diagnose KS. In the case of KS, there are usually 47 chromosomes rather than the normal 46.
Many men with XXY do not know they have the condition. The diagnosis may be found:
  • When amniocentesis is done
  • In babies—undescended testes or very small penis
  • In children—when the child is having problems learning
  • In adolescents—when the child has excessive breast development
  • In adults—when the man has fertility concerns

Treatment

Treatment of KS includes:

Testosterone

The main treatment is testosterone. When boys with KS are 10-12 years old, their hormone levels are checked yearly. If testosterone levels are low, then treatment may be helpful. Men diagnosed may also benefit from taking the hormone. However, testosterone cannot reverse infertility.
Testosterone is most often given through regular shots or a skin patch. The benefits include:
  • Increased strength
  • More muscular, male appearance
  • Growth of facial and body hair
  • Better self-esteem
  • Modulation of mood
  • Increased energy
  • Increased ability to concentrate
  • Greater sex drive
  • Improved bone density

Speech and Language Therapy

This therapy should begin in early childhood to avoid social and school learning problems. Treatment may involve:
  • Speech therapy
  • Special education services
  • Extra support and help with learning from parents and teachers
  • Social skills training and psychological counseling

Prevention

Currently, there are no known ways of preventing KS.

RESOURCES

Klinefelter Syndrome and Associates http://www.genetic.org/

National Institute of Child Health & Human Development http://www.nichd.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Psychiatric Association http://www.cpa-apc.org/

Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca/

References

Bacino, CA, Lee, B. Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy. In: Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2011.

Klinefelter syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated April 27, 2011. Accessed October 11, 2011.

Klinefelter syndrome. Klinefelter Syndrome and Associates website. Available at: http://www.genetic.org/knowledge/support/action/199/#Brief%20Introduction%20to%20Klinefelter%20syndrome . Updated February 2007. Accessed July 22, 2008.

Larsen PR. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2003.

Understanding Klinefelter syndrome. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/klinefelter.cfm . Updated August 2006. Accessed July 22, 2008.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: Kari Kassir, MD
  • Review Date: 09/2012 -
  • Update Date: 00/92/2012 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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