Klinefelter’s Syndrome or the XXY condition

In 1942, Dr Harry Klinefelter conducted a research at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on nine men who were showing typical “womanly” features like enlarged breasts, sparse hair on face and body and also an inability to produce sperms.

By the 1950s, experts had started calling it the Klinefelter or the xxy symptom. Themedguru looks into this different but very much existing condition.

Klinefelter’s syndrome is an abnormality of chromosomes in men, where an extra X chromosome is present in most of their cells. This causes difference in physical and personality characteristics. A person suffering from the klinefelter’s syndrome will be born with 47chromosomes instead of 46.

The XXY syndrome can affect at different stages of the life cycle. The most common symptom is infertility. These men have trouble fitting among normal people and are often very shy.

What are Chromosomes?

Chromosomes enclose the genetic constitution of a body. They also decide the sex of the foetus. Normally a person will have 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes of two kinds X and Y determine an individual’s sex. A female will have two X chromosomes, while the male will have X and Y.

Symptoms of the Klinefelter’s Syndrome?

The XXY pattern of chromosomes is very common among males but it does not mean that everyone will suffer from the same symptoms. The condition will depend on number of XXY cells, the amount of testosterone and the age of the man.

Normally the symptoms affect three different areas of the individual’s development:

Physical development: XXY males normally have weaker muscle structure and reduced strength. As infants, they learn to sit, crawl and walk later than normal babies. Testosterone production is less in XXY males. They are normally lean; with very less facial hair and have broader hips than other boys. XXY males have less energy than males of their age. They are also more vulnerable to be affected by diseases like osteoporosis, and tooth decay. Though they have normal sex lives, XXY males hardly produce enough sperm. Almost 99 percent of XXY males are infertile.

Speech development: Almost 25-80 percent of XXY males have trouble with language. These problems include, learning to talk late, getting the thoughts in place before speaking, reading problems and also processing what they hear. As is evident these are obstacles for the XXY males to lead a comfortable work life.

Social development: XXY males are generally quitters and very undemanding. They lack confidence in themselves, are shy by nature. They are also more helpful and obedient than other males their age.

What are the Treatments Available for This Disease?

As National Institute of Child Health and Human Development opines, if the treatment is started at an early stage, most boys will be able to lead a completely normal life sexually, socially and career wise. However we must remember, the pattern XXY cannot be changed.

The treatments available for this syndrome are:

• Educational services: Most schools have services to help students with special needs. Teachers can also help by devoting some extra time for these students.

• Physical, speech and occupational therapy: Therapist are often successful in steering people suffering from XXY syndrome to lead a normal life. Problems like speech or language or low self confidence have been seen to reduce to a great extent through therapy.

• Medical treatments: Testosterone Replacement Treatment (TRT) is the most common medical treatment for this syndrome. The testosterone level is brought back to normal to help the individual in leading a normal life.

As is the case with most sensitive diseases, the individual suffering from XXY syndrome, normally finds himself at the receiving end of jokes and is ridiculed and bullied from their peers. A lot of understanding, love and care are needed to tackle the Klinefelter’s Syndrome. Adults, guardian or parents of the sufferer need to slowly guide him towards a healthy and normal life.