Overview
The Cleveland Clinic Cares for Klinefelter Syndrome and other XY Variations program provides a wide range of support and intervention for individuals with an XY variation syndrome and their families- from prenatal diagnoses, to adolescence, and into young adulthood. We help coordinate access to experts in a variety of medical and psychological disciplines to support these conditions, with our ultimate goal being to help these individuals to lead independent and healthy lives.
Klinefelter syndrome and other XY variations
Humans have 46 chromosome total. Usually males have one copy each of the X and Y sex chromosomes (depicted as 46,XY). However there are several genetic conditions characterized by changes in the number of sex chromosomes in males:
- Klinefelter Syndrome- one extra copy of an X chromosome (47,XXY)
- Other disorders of XY chromosomes (including 48,XXXY, 49,XXXXY, etc.)
Klinefelter syndrome and related XY variant syndromes are not uncommon. It is estimated that one in every 500 males are born with one or more extra X chromosomes. Because the signs and symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome are variable and typically are not noted right at birth, many cases go undiagnosed. However, the increased use of prenatal screening and diagnosis has led to earlier diagnoses and better understanding of these conditions.
Klinefelter syndrome and related XY variant syndromes can present with a variety of symptoms, including:
- Speech delay
- Learning problems
- Behavioral, social, or emotional issues
- Low muscle tone
- Physical differences, including taller than expected height
- Born with a smaller penis or testicles not in scrotum
- Delayed or absent pubertal changes in teenage years
- Fertility issues
- Increased risk for other chronic conditions
For a more comprehensive discussion of these conditions please visit the AXYS webpage.
Services
Because of the wide range of symptoms that these conditions may have, care often requires the coordinated efforts of multiple medical and psychological experts in various disciplines. Depending on the individual’s personal needs, he may require the input of some of the following experts/services available in our clinic:
- Genetics: geneticists and genetic counselors are available to determine if additional genetic testing is appropriate. Providers review inheritance, recurrence risks, and medical management guidelines, as well as assist with identifying resources for families.
- Pediatric Endocrinology: monitor growth and puberty development. Testosterone treatment is often initiated in the teenage years. Screening and management of other related endocrine conditions as needed.
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatricians: developmental monitoring and evaluation for infants diagnosed prenatally or in newborn period. May recommend early intervention/behavior therapy, occupational therapy (OT), speech and language therapy (SLP), and/or physical therapy (PT).
- Neuropsychologist: mental health, IQ, and achievement testing as needed. May provide educational recommendations.
- Fertility Specialist: can assess for urological concerns and/or discuss fertility options
Our Team
Andrea Mucci, MD Pediatric Endocrinology |
Vickie Zurcher, MD Geneticist |
 Lauren Palange, MS, LCG Genetic Counselor |
 Sarah Mazzola, MS, LCG Genetic Counselor |
Timothy Sullivan, PhD Pediatric Neuropsychology |
Mary Wong, MD Neurodevelopmental Disabilities |
Sumit Parikh, MD Pediatric Neurology |
Sarah Vij, MD Urology & Fertility |
Appointments and Locations
Make an Appointment
To schedule a new patient visit, please contact our program coordinator, Stephanie Lemasters, at 216-444-7987. Appointments can be made Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Alternatively, if an appointment needs to be rescheduled for any reason you can either contact Stephanie at the number listed above, or try one of the following methods:
- Call: 216.444.9000 or 866.275.7496 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays )
- Online: Send us an email
Locations
All of our providers see patients on Main Campus on certain days but the following providers also see patients at other sites, should you prefer to schedule your visits at one of our regional hospitals:
Andrea Mucci, MD – Pediatric Endocrinology
Pediatric Urology
- Avon – Richard E. Jacobs Health Center
- Independence Family Health Center
- Twinsburg Family Health and Surgery Center
- Medina Medical Office Building
Sarah Vij, MD – Adult Urology/Fertility
Mary Wong, MD – Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
- Only sees developmental patients at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation
Resources
Additional information and support regarding Klinefelter syndrome and other XY variations:
- Association for XY Chromosome Cariations (AXYS) home page.
- Klinefelter Syndrome, NIH homepage.
- Videos and Webinars.
- AXYS on Facebook.
- Downloadable Book: Thanks to the generosity of the book’s author, Virginia Isaac’s Cover, MSW, AXYS is pleased to make this book available to the X and Y variation community, in its entirety, at no cost. Please feel free to download and/or print it for your personal use - Living with Klinefelter Syndrome (47,XXY) Trisomy X (47, XXX) and 47, XYY: A Guide for Families and Individuals Affected by Extra X and Y Chromosome.
