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Alternative names Return to top
Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome; Incomplete male pseudohermaphroditismDefinition Return to top
Reifenstein syndrome is an inherited disorder that causes underdevelopment of the male reproductive tract and sexual dysfunction in males, which includes an inability to make sperm, undescended testicles (the testicles do not descend into the scrotum), and development of breasts. See also testicular feminization.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Reifenstein syndrome is one of a group of diseases in which the body is unable to respond appropriately to the male sex hormones (androgens), which include testosterone.
In this genetic disease, the affected gene codes for the androgen receptor, which is the key protein that allows cells to respond to androgens. This particular mutation makes the cells less responsive to these hormones -- hence the alternative name, Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.
By default, human babies develop female genitalia. It is only when androgens are made by the testes of male fetuses that male sexual organs arise. As a result, boys with the most severe cases of Reifenstein syndrome may appear to be girls at birth even though they are genetically male, or they may have very small penises.
The disease is inherited in an x-linked recessive manner, which means that women are not affected but may carry the gene, and males who inherit the gene from their mothers will have the condition.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Early and continuous testosterone treatment may improve the chance that a boy will grow up to be fertile.
Support Groups Return to top
Support can be obtained from the Androgen Insensitivity Support Group. Call 978-455-2012.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Androgens are most important during early development in the womb. A male with Reifenstein syndrome can have a normal lifespan and be totally healthy, with the exception of infertility and possible psychological problems related to gender identity.
In the most severe cases, feminized external genitalia or an extremely small penis tend to cause psychological and emotional problems for these boys. In these cases, some parents have tried to raise people with Reifenstein syndrome as girls; however, this is rarely effective.
Genital surgery should be postponed until the affected person can make an informed choice. There are numerous accounts of people with ambiguous genitalia who had surgery during infancy to feminize their organs (since it is easier to do this than to create male organs) who later feel maimed.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you, your son, or a male family member have infertility or incomplete development of male external organs, despite high blood testosterone. Genetic testing and counseling is available if there is a strong suspicion that this disease is present.Prevention Return to top
Prenatal testing is available for known androgen receptor mutations. People with a family history of these conditions should consider genetic counseling. Testosterone treatment that is started early may prevent some infertility.
Update Date: 1/30/2003 Updated by: Douglas R. Stewart, M.D., Division of Medical Genetics, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |