Welcome

Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) is the most common sex chromosomal disorder affecting 1-2 per 1000 boys.

 

Patients with Klinefelter syndrome display some characteristic phenotypic signs and symptoms, although to a quite variable extent. Typical features include increased childhood growth resulting in adult tall stature and eunuchoid body proportions, and testicular degeneration in puberty resulting in hypogonadism and impaired spermatogenesis. As a result gynaecomastia, azoospermia, decreased body hair, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome frequently occur. Learning disabilities, cognitive impairment and psychosocial problems may also be seen in Klinefelter syndrome.

 

For decades the syndrome has been somewhat overlooked. Only 25% of Klinefelter patients are presently diagnosed and few clinics have special management programmes for all the different features of Klinefelter syndrome.

 

However, recently advances in the phenotypic characterization of patients with 47,XXY, understanding of the complex genotype/phenotype variability, insight into some of the underlying causes for typical manifestations of Klinefelter syndrome, as well as improvements in the medical and psychosocial management of 47,XXY has prompted us to organize an international workshop entirely devoted to Klinefelter syndrome.

 

The workshop will include presentations by internationally recognized experts within the areas of molecular biology, epidemiology, pediatrics, endocrinology, fertility, and psychology covering many aspects of Klinefelter syndrome. The overall aim of the workshop is to improve our diagnosis and management of patients with Klinefelter syndrome at all ages. All health professionals and basic scientists working on Klinefelter syndrome are therefore encouraged to participate aiming at a high scientific level covering numerous interdisciplinary gaps between basic science and clinical medicine.

 

We believe to have planned an extremely interesting scientific programme with many invited lectures as well as oral presentations and posters from attendees. A maximum of 200 participants are expected to attend the workshop.

 

Looking forward to seeing you in Copenhagen in May 2010.

 

Yours sincerely

 

On behalf of the Organizing Committee

 

Anders Juul (Chairman)        Lise Aksglæde          Katrine Bay          Niels E. Skakkebæk