Klinefelter Syndrome Gives a Genetic Twist to Tales about George Washington, Napoleon, Lincoln
Why was George Washington infertile? Why did Napoleon grow breasts? Why was Abraham Lincoln so tall and skinny? What did King George III and Dracula have in common? These questions and more will be answered at the 2005 national conference of The American Association for Klinefelter Syndrome Information and Support (AAKSIS), 'Klinefelter Syndrome—A Neverending Story,' to be held in Atlanta, Ga., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Atlanta-Airport, from Friday, July 29 through Saturday, July 30, 2005.
(PRWEB) July 24, 2005 -- Dr. Nathaniel Robin, Medical Geneticist at the
University of Alabama and expert in the ethical issues of genetic testing and
research, will explore why historic figures, whose physical characteristics
included infertility, tall stature, and gynecomastia, are suspected of having
Klinefelter syndrome.
His discussions will take place at the
"Klinefelter Syndrome—A Neverending Story," an event that will take place
Friday, July 29 through Saturday, July 30, at the 2005 national conference of
The American Association for Klinefelter Syndrome Information and Support
(AAKSIS), in Atlanta, Ga., inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel,
Atlanta-Airport.
Other Conference Speakers will include:
*
Neuroscientist, Jay Giedd, M.D., Chief of the Brain Imaging Unit at the National
Institute of Mental Health; researcher of brain development in Klinefelter
Syndrome; spearheaded research on the adolescent brain; featured in such TV
presentations as The Secret Life of the Brain (PBS) Inside the Teenage Brain
(Frontline, PBS), Secrets of the Teen Brain (cover story, Time Magazine, May 10,
2004).
* Endocrinologists, Wolfram E. Nolten, M.D., Associate Professor,
the University of Wisconsin, and recognized expert in Klinefelter Syndrome;
Luciano Kolodny, M.D., HealthPartners of Minneapolis.
* From Emory
University--Paul Fernhoff, M.D., Director of Clinical Genetics and head of the
Georgia newborn screening advisory task force; Neil E. Lamb, Ph.D., Director,
Center for Medical Genomics; Jeannie Visootsak, M.D., F.A.A.P, Assistant
Professor and Developmental Pediatrician.
* Plastic/Reconstructive
Surgeon, Michael Bermant, M.D., Virginia, nationally recognized expert in
gynecomastia;
* Carin V. Hopps, M.D., Assistant Professor of Urology,
Chief of Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery, and Director of Male
Infertility/Sexual Medicine, Medical College of Ohio.
* Author and
psychologist, Daniel L. Davis, Ph.D.; latest book, Your Angry Child, A Guide for
Parents.
* Nicole Tartaglia, M.D., Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics,
UC-Davis Medical Center, M.I.N.D. Institute.
Additional speakers
addressing issues of education, therapy, and advocacy will also
present.
Klinefelter Syndrome, 47XXY, the most common of the sex
chromosome variations, is said to occur in one out of 500 males. Estimates say
that 65 percent of those with the disorder have not been identified. Persons
with 47XXY, who are not diagnosed, fail to receive the medical care needed to
offset related medical problems and health risks.
In individuals with
Klinefelter, there is an extra X chromosome. Rather than the normal male
chromosome pattern, 46XY, it is 47XXY. The exact cause of 47XXY is unknown.
Klinefelter Syndrome puts one at an increased risk for autoimmune
disorders, type II diabetes, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, leg
ulcers, depression, and dental problems. The risk of breast cancer in men with
Klinefelter Syndrome is 20 times greater than in the overall male population.
In young boys, there is an increased incidence of speech delay,
attention deficits, dyslexia, anxiety, depression, and gynecomastia or swelling
of breast tissue during puberty.
Generally, men with Klinefelter Syndrome
are infertile, but recent advances in fertility treatments have made it possible
for Klinefelter men to become biological fathers.
Washington, Lincoln,
and company provide profiles based upon physical observation. Outward
appearances and characteristics can suggest a diagnosis of Klinefelter Syndrome,
but relying solely on visible traits is a mistake. Clues are often subtle. The
key to diagnosis and treatment is a complete understanding beyond what meets the
eye.
For additional conference information, go to http://www.klinefelter-ohio.com/conference%20title.htm
About
AAKSIS:
The American Association for Klinefelter Syndrome Information and
Support is a 501c(3) non profit organization. AAKSIS is a national volunteer
association with the mission of education, support, research and understanding
of 47XXY and its variants, collectively known as Klinefelter Syndrome.
Statistics suggest that there are thousands of 47XXY individuals in the
United States alone. Many remain undiagnosed. Current and accurate information
about 47XXY required by those confronted with a new diagnosis is often
unavailable. A major goal of AAKSIS is to raise awareness of the condition among
medical professionals and the general public.
AAKSIS works with its
professional advisors to present an annual educational program aimed at
providing the latest information and research to this community and anyone
interested in learning more about the condition.
AAKSIS is governed by a
Board of Directors and is assisted by a Professional Advisory Board.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/7/prweb264788.htm