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Diagnosis of 48, XXXY is usually done by a standard karyotype. A karyotype is a chromosomal analysis in which a full set of chromosomes can be seen for an individual. The presence of the additional 2 X chromosomes on the karyotype are indicative of XXXY syndrome.
Another way to diagnosis 48, XXXY is by chromosomal microarray showing the presence of extra X chromosomes. Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is used to detect extra or missing chromosomal segments or whole chromosomes. CMA uses microchip-based testing to analyze many pieces of DNA. Males with 48, XXXY are diagnosed anywhere from before birth to adulthood as a result of the range in the severity of symptoms. The age range at diagnosis is likely due to the fact that XXXY is a rare syndrome, and does not cause as extreme phenotypes as other variants of Klinefelter syndrome (such as XXXXY).
Diagnostic testing could also be done via blood samples. Elevated levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and low levels of testosterone can be indicative of this syndrome.
About 10% of Klinefelter cases are found by prenatal diagnosis. The first clinical features may appear in early childhood or, more frequently, during puberty, such as lack of secondary sexual characteristics and aspermatogenesis. Despite the presence of small testes, only a quarter of the affected males are recognized as having Klinefelter syndrome at puberty. Another quarter receive their diagnosis in late adulthood. About 64% of affected individuals are never recognized. Often the diagnosis is made incidentally as a result of examinations and medical visits for reasons not linked to the condition.
The standard diagnostic method is the analysis of the chromosomes' karyotype on lymphocytes. In the past, the observation of the Barr body was common practice as well. To confirm mosaicism, it is also possible to analyze the karyotype using dermal fibroblasts or testicular tissue.
Other methods may be: research of high serum levels of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone), presence of azoospermia, determination of the sex chromatin, and prenatally via chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. A 2002 literature review of elective abortion rates found that approximately 58% of pregnancies in the United States with a diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome were terminated.
The symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome are often variable; therefore, a karyotype analysis should be ordered when small testes, infertility, gynecomastia, long legs/arms, developmental delay, speech/language deficits, learning disabilities/academic issues and/or behavioral issues are present in an individual. The differential diagnosis for the Klinefelter syndrome can include the following conditions: fragile X syndrome, Kallmann syndrome and Marfan syndrome. The cause of hypogonadism can be attributed to many other different medical conditions.
There have been some reports of individuals with Klinefelter syndrome who also have other chromosome abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
Patients have an essentially normal life expectancy but require regular medical follow-up.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD or PIGD) is a technique used to identify genetically normal embryos and is useful for couples who have a family history of genetic disorders. This is an option for people choosing to procreate through IVF. PGD is considered difficult due to it being both time consuming and having success rates only comparable to routine IVF.
Exposure of spermatozoa to lifestyle, environmental and/or occupational hazards may increase the risk of aneuploidy. Cigarette smoke is a known aneugen (aneuploidy inducing agent). It is associated with increases in aneuploidy ranging from 1.5 to 3.0-fold. Other studies indicate factors such as alcohol consumption, occupational exposure to benzene, and exposure to the insecticides fenvalerate and carbaryl also increase aneuploidy.
A karyotype is done to diagnose XXYY syndrome. Treatment consists of medications, behavioral therapies and intensive community support.
47,XYY syndrome is not usually diagnosed until learning issues are present. The syndrome is diagnosed in an increasing number of children prenatally by amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling in order to obtain a chromosome karyotype, where the abnormality can be observed.
It is estimated that only 15–20% of children with 47,XYY syndrome are diagnosed within their lifetime. Of these, approximately 30% are diagnosed prenatally. For the rest of those diagnosed after childbirth, around half are diagnosed during childhood or adolescence due to developmental delays or learning difficulties. The rest are diagnosed for a variety of reasons including a small percentage due to fertility problems (5%).
The general prognosis for girls with tetrasomy X is relatively good. Due to the variability of symptoms, some tetrasomy X girls are able to function normally, whereas others will need medical attention throughout their lives. Traditionally, treatment for tetrasomy X has been management of the symptoms and support for learning. Most girls are placed on estrogen treatment to induce breast development, arrest longitudinal growth, and stimulate bone formation to prevent osteoporosis. Speech, occupational, and physical therapy may also be needed depending on the severity of the symptoms.
As the syndrome is due to a chromosomal non-disjunction event, the recurrence risk is not high compared to the general population. There has been no evidence found that indicates non-disjunction occurs more often in a particular family.
Around 1 in 1,000 boys are born with a 47,XYY karyotype. The incidence of 47,XYY is not known to be affected by the parents' ages.
With the Echidna, this kind of chromosomal arrangement is normal. In this species genetic sex differentiation works like this:
- 63 (XYXYXYXYX, male) and
- 64 (XXXXXXXXXX, female)
In cases where the individual is being evaluated for ambiguous genitalia, such as a small phallus, hypospadias, or labioscrotal folds, exploratory surgery may be used to determine if male and/or female internal genitalia is present.
A standard karyotype can be completed to cytogenetically determine that an individual with a partial or complete male phenotype has a XX genotype.
FISH analysis determines the presence or absence of the SRY gene.
Localization of the SRY gene can by determined using fluorescent "in situ" hybridization.
Indicators include two testes which have not descended the inguinal canal, although this is seen in a minority of XX males, and the absence of Müllerian tissue.
The diagnosis is often one of exclusion found during the workup of delayed puberty.
A paper published in 2012 by Prof. Jacques Young highlights a typical example of the diagnostic work up involved in a suspected case of KS/CHH.
One of the biggest problems in the diagnosis of KS and other forms of CHH is the ability to distinguish between a normal constitutional delay of puberty and KS or CHH.
The main biochemical parameters in men are low serum testosterone and low levels of the gonadotropins LH and FSH, and in women low serum oestrogen and low levels of LH and FSH.
For both males and females with constitutional delay of puberty, endogenous puberty will eventually commence without treatment. However a delay in treatment in a case of KS/HH will delay the physical development of the patient and can cause severe psychological damage. The "wait and see" approach applied to "late bloomers" is probably counterproductive to the needs of the patient whereas a step-by-step approach with hormone replacement therapy used with slowly increasing doses can be used as a diagnostic tool.
Post natal diagnosis of KS / CHH before the age of 6 months is sometimes possible. The normal post natal hormonal surge of gonadotropins along with testosterone or oestrogen is absent in babies with KS / CHH. This lack of detectable hormones in the blood can be used as a diagnostic indicator, especially in male infants.
Normally testicular enlargement is the key sign for the onset of puberty in boys however the use of nighttime LH sampling can help predict the onset of puberty.
In females diagnosis is sometimes further delayed as other causes of amenorrhoea normally have to be investigated first before a case of KS/CHH is considered. KS/CHH can still occur in females in cases when menstruation has begun but stopped after one or two menstrual bleeds. A study of GnRH deficient women in 2011 showed that 10% had experienced one or two bleeds before the onset of amenorrhoea.
In males, treatment with age-appropriate levels of testosterone can be used to distinguish between a case of KS/CHH from a case of delayed puberty. If just delayed the testosterone can "kick-start" endogenous puberty, as demonstrated by testicular enlargement, whereas in the case of KS/CHH there will be no testicular enlargement while on testosterone therapy alone. If no puberty is apparent, especially no testicular development, then a review by a reproductive endocrinologist may be appropriate. Dr Richard Quinton, a leading UK expert on KS/CHH, suggests that if puberty is not apparent by the age of 16 then the patient should be referred for endocrinological review.
A full endocrine workup will be required to measure the levels of the other pituitary hormones, especially prolactin, to check that the pituitary gland is working correctly. There can be other general health issues such as being overweight or having an underlying chronic or acute illness which could cause a delay of puberty. This makes it essential for a patient to get a full endocrine review to distinguish between a case of KS/CHH and another cause for the pubertal delay.
Bone age can be assessed using hand and wrist X-rays. If the bone age is significantly lower than the chronological age of the patient, this could suggest delayed puberty unless there is another underlying reason for the discrepancy.
A karyotype may be performed to rule out Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome, although the hormones levels would also rule out both these relatively common reasons for hypogonadism.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be used to determine whether the olfactory bulb is present and to check for any physical irregularities of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
A standard smell test can be used to check for anosmia, but it must be remembered that even in total anosmia various substances (such as menthol and alcohol) can still be detected by direct stimulation of the trigeminal nerve.
Genetic screening can be carried out, but in light of the unknown genes involved in the majority of KS and CHH cases, a negative result will not rule out a possible diagnosis.
A review paper published in 2014 highlighted the need for doctors to be aware of the possible diagnosis of KS / HH if pubertal delay is found alongside associated "red flag" symptoms. The symptoms listed in the paper were split into two categories; reproductive symptoms associated with the lack of mini puberty seen between birth and six months of age and non-reproductive symptoms which are associated with specific forms of HH. As with other review papers the authors also warned against the "wait and see" approach when puberty appears to be delayed.
Signs of Rett syndrome that are similar to autism:
Signs of Rett syndrome that are also present in cerebral palsy (regression of the type seen in Rett syndrome would be unusual in cerebral palsy; this confusion could rarely be made):
Prior to the discovery of a genetic cause, Rett syndrome had been designated as a pervasive developmental disorder by the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM), together with the autism spectrum disorders. Some argued against this conclusive assignment because RTT resembles non-autistic disorders such as fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or Down syndrome that also exhibit autistic features.
After research proved the molecular mechanism, in 2013 the DSM-5 removed the syndrome altogether from classification as a mental disorder.
Rett syndrome diagnosis involves close observation of the child's growth and development to observe any abnormalities in regards to developmental milestones. A diagnosis is considered when decreased head growth is observed. Conditions with similar symptoms must first be ruled out.
There is a certain criteria that must be met for the diagnosis. A blood test can rule in or rule out the presence of the MECP2 mutation, however, this mutation is present in other conditions as well.
For a classic diagnosis, all four criteria for ruling in a diagnosis must be met, as well as the two criteria for ruling out a diagnosis. A period of symptom regression followed by recovery or symptom stabilization must also occur. Supportive criteria may also be present, but are not required for diagnosis. For an atypical or variant diagnosis, at least two of the four criteria for ruling in the diagnosis must be met, as well as five of the eleven supportive criteria. A period of symptom regression followed by recovery or symptom stabilization must also occur. Children are often misdiagnosed as having autism, cerebral palsy, or another form of developmental delay. A positive test for the MECP2 mutation is not enough to make a diagnosis.
Ruling in
- Decreased or loss of use of fine motor skills
- Decreased or loss of verbal speech
- Abnormalities during gait
- Repetitive hand movements such as wringing/squeezing or clapping/tapping
Ruling out
- Traumatic brain injury, neurometabolic disease, or severe infection that may better explain symptoms
- Abnormal psychomotor development during the 6 months of life
Supportive criteria
- Breathing disturbances when awake
- Bruxism while awake
- Impaired sleep pattern
- Abnormal muscle tone
- Peripheral vasomotor disturbances
- Scoliosis/kyphosis
- Growth retardation
- Small cold hands and feet
- Inappropriate laughing/screaming spells
- Diminished response to pain
- Intense eye communication (eye pointing)
Reversal of symptoms have been reported in between 15% to 22% of cases. The causes of this reversal are still under investigation but have been reported in both males and females.
Reversal appears to be associated with 14 of the known gene defects linked to KS/CHH. The study suggests no obvious gene defect showing a tendency to allow reversal. There is a suggestion that the TAC3 and TACR3 mutations might allow for a slightly higher chance of reversal, but the numbers involved are too low to confirm this. The ANOS1 mutations appear to be least likely to allow reversal with to date only one recorded instance in medical literature. Even male patients who previous had micro-phallus or cryptorchidism have been shown to undergo reversal of symptoms.
The reversal might not be permanent and remission can occur at any stage; the paper suggests that this could be linked to stress levels. The paper highlighted a reversal case that went into remission but subsequently achieved reversal again, strongly suggesting an environmental link.
Reversal cases have been seen in cases of both KS and normosmic CHH but appear to be less common in cases of KS (where the sense of smell is also affected). A paper published in 2016 agreed with the theory that there is a strong environmental or epigenetic link to the reversal cases. The precise mechanism of reversal is unclear and is an area of active research.
Reversal would be apparent if testicular development was seen in men while on testosterone therapy alone or in women who menstruate or achieved pregnancy while on no treatment. To date there have been no recorded cases of the reversal of anosmia found in Kallmann syndrome cases.
XX males are sterile due to low or no sperm content and there is currently no treatment to address this infertility. Genital ambiguities, while not necessary to treat for medical reasons, can be treated through the use of hormonal therapy, surgery, or both. Since XX male syndrome is variable in its presentation, the specifics of treatment varies widely as well. In some cases gonadal surgery can be performed to remove partial or whole female genitalia. This may be followed by plastic and reconstructive surgery to make the individual appear more externally male. Conversely, the individual may wish to become more feminine and feminizing genitoplasty can be performed to make the ambiguous genitalia appear more female. Hormonal therapy may also aid in making an individual appear more male or female.
Treatment of Aicardi syndrome primarily involves management of seizures and early/continuing intervention programs for developmental delays.
Additional comorbidities and complications sometimes seen with Aicardi syndrome include porencephalic cysts and hydrocephalus, and gastro-intestinal problems. Treatment for porencephalic cysts and/or hydrocephalus is often via a shunt or endoscopic of the cysts, though some require no treatment. Placement of a feeding tube, fundoplication, and surgeries to correct hernias or other gastrointestinal structural problems are sometimes used to treat gastro-intestinal issues.
Aicardi syndrome is typically characterized by the following triad of features - however, one of the "classic" features being missing does not preclude a diagnosis of Aicardi Syndrome, if other supporting features are present.
1. Partial or complete absence of the corpus callosum in the brain (agenesis of the corpus callosum);
2. Eye abnormalities known as "lacunae" of the retina that are quite specific to this disorder; [optic nerve coloboma]]; and
3. The development in infancy of seizures that are called infantile spasms.
Other types of defects of the brain such as microcephaly, polymicrogyria, porencephalic cysts and enlarged cerebral ventricles due to hydrocephalus are also common in Aicardi syndrome.
As its name indicates, a person with the syndrome has one Y chromosome and four X chromosomes on the 23rd pair, thus having 49 chromosomes rather than the normal 46. As with most categories of aneuploidy disorders, 49,XXXXY syndrome is often accompanied by intellectual disability. It can be considered a form of 47, XXY Klinefelter syndrome, or a variant of it.
It is genetic but not hereditary. This means that while the genes of the parents cause the syndrome, there is a small chance of more than one child having the syndrome. The probability of inheriting the disease is about 1%.
The individuals with this syndrome are males, but 49, XXXXX also exists with similar characteristics.
Azoospermia is usually detected in the course of an infertility investigation. It is established on the basis of two semen analysis evaluations done at separate occasions (when the seminal specimen after centrifugation shows no sperm under the microscope) and requires a further work-up.
The investigation includes a history, a physical examination including a thorough evaluation of the scrotum and testes, laboratory tests, and possibly imaging. History includes the general health, sexual health, past fertility, libido, and sexual activity. Past exposure to a number of agents needs to be queried including medical agents like hormone/steroid therapy, antibiotics, 5-ASA inhibitors (sulfasalazine), alpha-blockers, 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, chemotherapeutic agents, pesticides, recreational drugs (marijuana, excessive alcohol), and heat exposure of the testes. A history of surgical procedures of the genital system needs to be elicited. The family history needs to be assessed to look for genetic abnormalities.
Congenital absence of the vas deferens may be detectable on physical examination and can be confirmed by a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). If confirmed genetic testing for cystic fibrosis is in order. Transrectal ultrasound can also assess azoospermia caused by obstruction, or anomalies related to obstruction of the ejaculatory duct, such as abnormalities within the duct itself, a median cyst of the prostate (indicating a need for cyst aspiration), or an impairment of the seminal vesicles to become enlarged or emptied.
Retrograde ejaculation is diagnosed by examining a postejaculatory urine for presence of sperm after making it alkaline and centifuging it.
Low levels of LH and FSH with low or normal testosterone levels are indicative of pretesticular problems, while high levels of gonadotropins indicate testicular problems. However, often this distinction is not clear and the differentiation between obstructive versus non-obstructive azoospermia may require a testicular biopsy. On the other hand, "In azoospermic men with a normal ejaculate volume, FSH serum level greater than two times the upper limit of the normal range is reliably diagnostic of dysfunctional spermatogenesis and, when found, a diagnostic testicular biopsy is usually unnecessary, although no consensus exists in this matter." But also, extremely high levels of FSH (>45 ID/mL) have been correlated with successful microdissection testicular sperm extraction.
Serum inhibin-B weakly indicates presence of sperm cells in the testes, raising chances for successfully achieving pregnancy through testicular sperm extraction (TESE), although the association is not very substantial, having a sensitivity of 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–0.74) and a specificity of 0.83 (CI: 0.64–0.93) for prediction the presence of sperm in the testes in non-obstructive azoospermia.
Seminal plasma proteins TEX101 and ECM1 were recently proposed for the differential diagnosis of azoospermia forms and subtypes, and for prediction of TESE outcome. Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada started clinical trial to test this hypothesis in 2016.
It is recommended that men primary hypopituitarism may be linked to a genetic cause, a genetic evaluation is indicated in men with azoospermia due to primary hypopituitarism. Azoospermic men with testicular failure are advised to undergo karyotype and Y-micro-deletion testing.
There is currently no treatment or cure for Waardenburg syndrome. The symptom most likely to be of practical importance is deafness, and this is treated as any other irreversible deafness would be. In marked cases there may be cosmetic issues. Other abnormalities (neurological, structural, Hirschsprung disease) associated with the syndrome are treated symptomatically.
Subtypes of the syndrome are traceable to different genetic variations and presentations:
Type III is also known as Klein-Waardenburg syndrome, and type IV is also known as Waardenburg-Shah syndrome.
Due to the wide range of genetic disorders that are presently known, diagnosis of a genetic disorder is widely varied and dependent of the disorder. Most genetic disorders are diagnosed at birth or during early childhood, however some, such as Huntington's disease, can escape detection until the patient is well into adulthood.
The basic aspects of a genetic disorder rests on the inheritance of genetic material. With an in depth family history, it is possible to anticipate possible disorders in children which direct medical professionals to specific tests depending on the disorder and allow parents the chance to prepare for potential lifestyle changes, anticipate the possibility of stillbirth, or contemplate termination. Prenatal diagnosis can detect the presence of characteristic abnormalities in fetal development through ultrasound, or detect the presence of characteristic substances via invasive procedures which involve inserting probes or needles into the uterus such as in amniocentesis.