Communication of the diagnosis to Klinefelter subjects: an observational study on a key moment of the patient's life.

Abstract

Purpose: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most prevalent sex chromosome disorder among males. The communication of the KS diagnosis holds significant implications for the diagnosis's acceptance. Recently, the increased use of prenatal diagnostic procedures has raised the question of whether, when, and by whom information, once provided to parents, should be communicated to their children/adolescents. Currently, there is limited information on this topic. This study aims to investigate the most suitable timing, content, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) according to KS patients' suggestions for conveying the diagnosis, analyzing the impact of communicating the KS diagnosis on patients and their reception of the communication in real-life situations. Furthermore, research entails a comparison of the actual communication and the patients' preferred mode of communication.

Methods: Self-reported interview data was collected from 196 adults diagnosed with KS. The interview was structured, consisting of 32 multiple-choice questions covering various areas related to diagnosis communication.

Results: Most patients with Klinefelter syndrome reported that earlier communication would have been beneficial. Communication before the age of 18 and by parents increased the likelihood of overcoming negative consequences and relying on psychological support.

Conclusion: To mitigate the adverse effects of poorly timed and inadequately delivered communication, typically by a single person, it is advisable that such communication be carried out at the onset of adolescence by an interdisciplinary team of HCPs (including psychologists, geneticists, endocrinologists) and parents. The information provided should not solely concentrate on hormonal and fertility aspects, but also consider other factors such as psychological variables.