Tall stature, macrocephaly, macroorchidism, hypotonia, hypertelorism, and tremor are the common features of the XYY phenotype. There is no gross difference of physical phenotypic features whether the syndrome is diagnosed prenatally or postnatally. However, prenatal diagnosis of this syndrome is associated with the development of higher cognitive function.

Features of XYY syndrome include:

• Taller stature
• Comparatively low body weight relative to stature
• Larger craniofacial dimensions
• Development of severe acne in adolescence
• Behavioral problems
• Learning disabilities
• Slightly lower IQ than their normal counterpart
• There have been reports that suggest that there is increased tooth-size in 47, XYY males and it is due to a direct genetic effect. The boys present with multiple over-retained deciduous, unerupted permanent teeth and increased incidence of carious lesions which can also be attributed to decreased oral hygiene.

• Disability

  They are generally healthy; however, some XYY men can have learning disabilities or behaviour problems. [els.net]

  الصفحة 91 - Autism spectrum disorders in children with physical or mental disability or both: I. Clinical and epidemiological aspects. ‏ [books.google.com]

  Boys with this genetic makeup are usually prone to develop few physical disabilities along with minor behavioral disorders. [symptoma.com]

  In addition, he has a learning disability. Zack might have Klinefelter syndrome, which occurs when a male has one or more extra X chromosomes. [study.com]

• Tall Stature

  RESULTS: Clinical examination revealed a tall stature and severe acne, and endocrinological/metabolic assessment revealed insulin resistance. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Homepage Rare diseases Search Search for a rare disease 47,XYY syndrome Disease definition 47, XYY syndrome is a sex chromosome aneuploidy where males receive an additional Y chromosome, and is characterized clinically by tall stature evident from childhood [orpha.net]

• Developmental Delay

  Global developmental delay Psychomotor developmental delay, Psychomotor retardation, Developmental delay, Lack of psychomotor development, Cognitive delay, Delayed intellectual development, Delayed milestones, Psychomotor development deficiency, Developmental [rarediseases.oscar.ncsu.edu]

  However, a person with XYY syndrome can get help with any learning or developmental delays through speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other assistance. [everydayhealth.com]

  This study suggests that most males born with these chromosome patterns will go through life without being karyotyped, that the commonest indication for a 47,XYY male to be karyotyped will be developmental delay and/or behaviour problems, and that the [obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com]

• Fatigue

  Commonly reported symptoms include, but are not limited to, cognitive impairment (e.g., "brain fog"), fatigue, apathy, depression, anxiety, insomnia, anergia, and loss of appetite. [clinicaltrials.gov]

  Methods Eligible participants: We included consecutive patients age 12 years and older who were referred to the Johns Hopkins Chronic Fatigue Clinic for evaluation of chronic fatigue or orthostatic intolerance from 10/28/2008 to 11/17/2017, provided the [tandfonline.com]

  Slowing breathing rate Improving digestion Controlling blood sugar levels Reducing activity of stress hormones Increasing blood flow to major muscles Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain Improving focus and mood Improving sleep quality Lowering fatigue [mayoclinic.org]

  DIFFERENTIATION FROM RELAPSE The symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome that are associated with most antidepressants share features of major depression, including dysphoria, appetite changes, sleep problems, cognitive problems, and fatigue [aafp.org]

• Poor Growth

  With the discovery of the short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) in 1997 ( 13 ), a new perspective was added to the understanding of tall stature in patients with supernumerary sex chromosomes and the poor growth in Turner syndrome. [doi.org]

• Aggressive Behavior

  […] to worsening in his hostile behavior and aggression toward the caregivers. [priory.com]

  Testosterone is thought to be associated with some typical male behaviors, and aggressiveness is one such behavior. [scienceclarified.com]

  […] and sexual behavior is reviewed. [doi.org]

  XYY in a ten year old child with aggressive behavior. Annales de Génétique, 1969, 12, 202–203. Google Scholar Zeuthen, E., Hansen, M., Christensen, A.-L., & Nielsen, J. XYY males found in a general male population. [link.springer.com]

  I of course googled it and saw some things about aggressive behavior but was told that those studies were very old and rebunked more recently and that i should ignore those studies. [community.babycenter.com]

• Behavior Disorder

  The sample comprised 15 men and youths with the XYY syndrome; 8 were identified in a survey of institutions for males with behavior disorders and 7 were privately referred. All had been stigmatized by physique and appearance and/or behavior. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Minor behavior disorders, hyperactivity, attention-deficit disorder, and learning disorders are more common. Click here for Patient Education NOTE: This is the Professional Version. [merckmanuals.com]

• Antisocial Personality Disorder

  In the US, "antisocial personality" implies a lifelong, heartless disregard for the rights of others. [pathguy.com]

• Abnormal Behavior

  HELLER, Human Chromosome Abnormalities as Related to Physical and Mental Dysfunction, Perspectives in Abnormal Behavior, 10.1016/B978-0-08-017738-0.50024-7, (214-230), (1974). Lee S. [doi.org]

• Amenorrhea

  Symptoms Symptoms of PCOS include changes in the menstrual cycle, such as: Not getting a period after you have had one or more normal ones during puberty (secondary amenorrhea) Irregular periods that may come and go, and be very light to very heavy Other [mountsinai.org]

• Hyperactivity

  On the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised, the XYY versus KS group had increased frequency of hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (P < .006). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Hyperactivity Hyperactive behavior Tremor An unintentional, oscillating to-and-fro muscle movement about a joint axis. [rarediseases.oscar.ncsu.edu]

  […] characterized clinically by tall stature evident from childhood, macrocephaly, facial features (mild hypertelorism, low set ears, a mildly flat malar region), speech delay and an increased risk for social and emotional difficulties, attention deficit hyperactive [orpha.net]

• Behavior Problem

  Prognosis Most males who have learning disabilities and/or behavior problems due to XYY syndrome have an excellent prognosis. [encyclopedia.com]

  In some cases, affected individuals develop behavioral problems such as an explosive temper, hyperactivity, impulsivity, defiant actions, or, in some cases, antisocial behavior. [rarediseases.org]

  The most common indication for an XYY male to be karyotyped will be developmental delay and/or behavior problems. [cme.ucsd.edu]

  Since there are no distinct physical characteristics, the condition usually is only detected during genetic analysis for other reasons. behavioral symptoms of XYY syndrome There are reports that men with XYY syndrome may be more likely to have behavior [symptoms101.com]

  Yet because such behavioral problems are on the minds of the researchers, the scientists should be honest to their subjects about the investigation. [thecrimson.com]

• Average Intelligence

  Early assumptions about the syndrome included that it made men more aggressive and antisocial, gave them below-average intelligence, and even made them more prone to homosexuality. [devibathory.tripod.com]

  Lower than average intelligence and/or behavioral problems, such as an explosive temper, aggressive or defiant actions, or sometimes antisocial behavior are other symptoms. [123helpme.com]

  *Learning disabilities / less than average intelligence *Antisocial *Behavioral problems *Taller than average *Thin 10. [slideshare.net]

  The hallmarks of Superman Syndrome A present, the neurodevelopmental phenotype of XYY is associated with a lower-than-average intelligence quotient (IQ), impediments in speech and language, learning difficulties, poor performance in school, difficulties [news-medical.net]

  It was an incidental finding in a normal 44-year-old, 6 ft. [183 cm] tall man of average intelligence who was karyotyped because he had a Down syndrome daughter. [15] Fictional depictions Edit A popular misconception in the 1960s and 1970s that XYY males [psychology.wikia.com]

• Delayed Milestone

  Global developmental delay Psychomotor developmental delay, Psychomotor retardation, Developmental delay, Lack of psychomotor development, Cognitive delay, Delayed intellectual development, Delayed milestones, Psychomotor development deficiency, Developmental [rarediseases.oscar.ncsu.edu]

Two tests may be used to diagnose XYY Syndrome:

• Hormonal assay. A lowered testosterone level in an adult male sometimes points towards the possibility of any chromosomal aberration. An estimation of sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) can reflect the testosterone level in a male. A serum total testosterone assay may sometimes be needed to assess the testosterone level. By analyzing the blood or urine samples for testosterone assay, if it has been found low, a presumption of chromosomal anomalies can be aroused. A low testosterone level warrants other specific additional tests to determine the underlying basic pathology.
• Chromosomal analysis. A chromosomal analysis can readily clinch the diagnosis of this disease if morphological features and symptoms in a male are suggestive of 47, XYY syndrome.

Several brain malformations in the form of posterior fossa anomalies, such as cerebellar dysplasia or hypoplasia, cerebellar cysts, vermis dysgenesis or hypoplasia, mega cistern magna were previously thought to be associated with sex chromosome anomalies. It was suggested that presence of an extra copy of sex chromosome may affect prenatal brain development. XYY syndrome, with an extra copy of the Y chromosome, thus may have a chance to develop those anomalies. Brain radiological imaging of males with XYY syndrome could be utilized to determine whether the existence of such brain abnormalities is an incidental or part of the spectrum of XYY syndrome. A deeper understanding is needed through further research for correlating the effect of an extra chromosome with the pathophysiology of the development of behavioral and physical disorders in affected individuals.

Treatment options are mainly supportive as it is not possible to alter the basic pathology of 47, XYY syndrome:

Medications

• Testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone therapy in adolescent 47, XYY boys can help to achieve normal puberty as they have deficient blood-testosterone level. Older persons also can be benefited by achieving their sexual drive and improving their muscle mass and bony strength by testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone is administered in the form of an injection or occasionally as a rub-on gel. 
• Fertility treatment. Men with XYY Syndrome may have fertility problem as they suffer from various forms of semen-disorders ranging from low sperm count to abnormal sperm with chromosomal anomaly. Thus, they face a difficulty to father a child. Testosterone replacement therapy does not help as it further reduces the existing sperm count. Fertility specialists can advice regarding assisted reproductive technique in the form of intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI). ICSI is a procedure where the sperms are retrieved directly from the testicles, checked for its fertility potential, and then injected directly into an ovum. Following fertilization, it is placed inside the fallopian tube for further maturation.

Surgical option

Low testosterone level often result in men with 47 XXY syndrome having gynecomastia. They may need plastic surgery to remove the excess tissue.

Alternative therapies

1. Speech therapy. Young boys with 47 XYY may need speech therapy as they are prone to develop speech disorders as well as motor skill disabilities. A professional approach is needed to counsel and support them at an earliest age. 
2. Physical or occupational therapy. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy is needed for boys who are suffering from delayed motor skill development and weak muscle strength.
3. Educational therapy. Learning disabilities are common in children with XYY Syndrome. A composite workout comprising of the involvement of teacher, principal and educational coordinators is needed to work out the best schedule that is best suited for the child's need. Apart from this, outside help from other tutors or educational instructions are often needed.

XYY syndrome is occasionally diagnosed in boys of 11 and 12 years of age, referred actually for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Abnormally high stature (patients were above 97.5% height for age), typical muscle consistency and persistence of tremor among the boys points towards a need for chromosomal analysis. A team consisting of a neuropsychologist, a physiotherapist along with a physician is needed to monitor and treat them. Psychological tests results also did not suitably fully fit with the ADHD diagnosis. It was felt following evaluating the boys that stimulant medication might benefit them. Administration of methylphenidate led to improved motor and cognitive functions as well as social adaptation of these boys. Treatment with methylphenidate thus might be considered in 47, XYY syndrome patients with similar clinical presentation.

Men with XYY syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome have been found to have an increased overall risk of conviction (excluding traffic offenses). However, when compared after adjusting for socioeconomic parameters, this rise appeared statistically insignificant. The conviction rate of 47, XYY males for sexual abuse, burglary, arson, and 'others' were found significantly increased. An association between the poor socioeconomic condition and the chromosomal aberrations can explain partly or fully the increased risk of convictions of 47, XYY males.

The mortality rate of these affected males is also found significantly higher if compared to the age and gender-matched controls from the background population. Furthermore, the causes of death are scattered uniformly throughout the all informative chapters according to the ICD-10. The identifiable causes of death of 47, XYY individuals are in a significantly higher proportion due to cancer, neurological disorders, pulmonary diseases, and trauma are due to some unspecified diseases. It is felt that there are many undiscovered facts about this syndrome that need to be explored. Further scientific researches are needed to explore the facts behind the clinical problems inherent with this disease which are responsible for higher incidences of mortality.

Each cell of a normal person possesses 46 chromosomes. Two chromosomes among of them, termed as X and Y, and are designated as sex chromosomes as they possess the capacity to determine whether a person will ultimately develop a male or female phenotypic characteristics. A normal female thus typically has one pair of X chromosomes (46, XX) and a normal male has one X and one Y as sex chromosome (46, XY).

XYY syndrome occurs due to the addition of an extra copy of the Y chromosome to that of a male's normal chromosomal pattern. With this addition, each cell now contains total 47 chromosomes instead of 46. This rearrangement of chromosomal number relates to the development of few abnormal phenotypically and behavioral characteristics like tall stature, macrocephaly, or learning disabilities. But it is unclear how the presence of an extra Y chromosome is linked with the development of these above-mentioned characteristics.

Inheritance is least likely related as a cause to the majority of 47, XYY syndrome. Actually this is a development defect of the sperm cells during their formation. There are random chromosomal changes while formation and maturation of sperm cells which could result in any form of aberration. This may lead to an accidental production of sperm cells with an extra copy of Y chromosome. This error in cell division called nondisjunction. If any of these atypical sperms with an extra Y chromosome fertilizes the ovum and thus subsequently contributes to the genetic makeup of a child; the boy will carry an extra Y chromosome in his body’s entire cell and thus develop XYY syndrome.

Following the incidence of Klinefelter syndrome, XYY sex chromosome aberration appears to be the second most common sex chromosome anomaly [1] [2] [3]. Its incidence appears to be approximately 1 out of 1000 live male births [4] [5]. These boys have an increased puberty growth spurt and usually appear taller than the other normal boys with the same matched genetic growth potential. On an average, usually they have been found to have a 10- to 15-point IQ reduction compared to the other family members. Boys with this genetic makeup are usually prone to develop few physical disabilities along with minor behavioral disorders. Hyperactivity, attention-deficit disorder, and learning disorders are more commonly found in them in contrast to the general population.

An average prevalence of 14.1 per 100,000 of 47, XYY persons have been identified by a first nationwide study conducted to find its prevalence. However, this incidence appeared much lower than the expected incidence of 98 per 100 000 population. The average age of diagnosis of this syndrome is relatively late with a median of 17.1 years.

A 47, XYY karyotype is produced as a result of parental non-disjunction at the step of meiosis II and subsequent addition of an extra Y chromosome in the affected offspring [6] [7] [8]. In another way, 46, XY/47, XYY mosaics from parental nondisjunction during cell division after postzygotic mitosis can also result an addition of an extra Y chromosome in early embryonic development [6].

Studies have shown an increased association between 47, XYY and sub-fertility. Men with XYY syndrome can have variable sperm counts, ranging from normal to azoospermia [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [14] [15] [16] [17]. Routine examination of the semen of men with XXY syndrome show increased incidences of spermatozoa with chromosomally anomaly [3] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]. Due to the greater prevalence of hyperhaploid sperm in their semen; there is also an increased risk of passing this extra Y chromosome to the offspring of 47, XYY male [14].

Considering the frequency of 47, XYY karyotype in the general population (one out of 1,000 newborn males), it is not often detected unless there is detection by prenatal testing. The clinicians must remain alert about the existence of this pathology and search for the new opportunities to find out appropriate educational interventions that target the specific learning challenges of XYY boys. Obviously, an early diagnosis carries a better prognosis of XYY and this message has to be forwarded to those involved in prenatal counseling and pediatric surveillance.

XYY syndrome, also referred to as 47, XYY syndrome, is a type of aneuploidy of the sex chromosome in males where they possess an additional Y chromosome. People with 47, XYY are clinically characterized by an increased growth velocity from childhood and a final tall stature. Macrocephaly along with few other typical facial features (mild hypertelorism, low set ears and a mildly flat malar region), delay in speech development are common to this disorder. They carry an increased risk for development of abnormal social and emotional bonding. In contrast to the general population, they are also found to have higher incidences of attention deficit hyperactive disorder and autistic spectrum disorder.

In XYY syndrome, the individual is phenotypically male, as instead of one, there is presence of 2 Y chromosomes, along with one X.

XYY syndrome is a disorder where a male is born with an extra Y chromosome. Frequency of this syndrome in the general population is about 1 in every 1,000 boys. Boys with this typical genotype tend to be taller and experiences difficulties in learning. They have a low intelligence quotient (IQ) when compared with the other family members. Learning disabilities, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, and minor behavioral disorders are more common among these boys. There was a previous speculation that XYY syndrome was related to aggressive or violent criminal behavior. But till today, no such proven data could be derived from the available scientific researches.

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