Klinefelter’s Syndrome

Question 1

What is Kleinefelter’s syndrome?

Answer 1

Occurs in approximately 1 in every 750 males due to an extra X chromosome (XXY)

Question 2

What do males in this condition have?

Answer 2

Small testes which produce insufficient amounts of testosterone which result in normal male sexual characteristics not fully developing

Question 3

What do sufferers usually lack the ability to?

Answer 3

• Grow facial and pubic hair
• Develop breast tissue
• Low masculinity
• Low fertility levels
• Tendency for long legs and arms in relation to torso

Question 4

What psychological effects occur?

Answer 4

Poor language skills which affects:
- Reading ability
- Passive temperament
- Attention problems
- Increased risk of anxiety disorders and depression

Question 5

When does the syndrome become noticeable?

Answer 5

In childhood as the boy has poor language skills, at 3 years of age the child may still not talk, at school their poor language skills affect reading ability

Question 6

What condition is Klinefelter’s syndrome?

Answer 6

A genetic condition, it is not inherited from parents but occurs during meiosis, the process of cell division that produces egg and sperm cells

Question 7

What is an error in cell division called?

Answer 7

Nondisjunction which causes an egg or sperm cell to have an extra copy of the X chromosome

Question 8

Who are more likely to have a child with Klinefelter’s syndrome?

Answer 8

Older parents, sufferers are generally treated with testosterone supplements, allowing them to live relatively normal lives with a below average life span

Question 9

What did Simpson find?

Answer 9

That behavioural and language difficulties resulting form having KS could be successfully tested skin androgen therapy, such as testosterone supplements and psychological counselling

Question 10

What does this conclude?

Answer 10

Some of the detrimental effects of KS can be successfully counteracted