What happens if someone has 47 chromosomes

Some boys have no obvious signs, while others have mild symptoms. Occasionally, the disorder causes significant problems.

Some boys also may have delayed development of their social, language, and learning skills. They also can have problems with reading and understanding math, and may have mild delays with coordination. These problems might ease as they get older and reach adulthood. Otherwise, treatment can help manage these issues. A small number of boys may have increased testicular size for their age, or have an increased risk for asthma and seizures.

Many boys with XYY syndrome are healthy and have no obvious symptoms. So sometimes the condition isn't diagnosed or is found when a doctor checks for a different issue. Often, XYY syndrome is found because parents talked with a doctor about concerns with their son's development. This can help boys receive a diagnosis early. Research has shown that early interventions and treatments are more effective.

To diagnosis XYY syndrome, doctors check a blood sample for the extra Y chromosome. Before birth, the condition may be found through karyotype test chromosomal analysis or noninvasive prenatal testing NIPT.

NIPT is done on the fluid surrounding the fetus, tissue from the placenta, or the blood from the mother. Risk factors for trisomy conditions The addition of an extra chromosome usually occurs spontaneously during conception. Trisomy 21 — Down syndrome In Victoria, Down syndrome affects about one in pregnancies. Some of the physical characteristics of Down syndrome may include: slight upward slant of the eyes — nearly all people with Down syndrome have a slight upward slant of the eyes.

Children with Down syndrome tend to grow more slowly and are commonly smaller than other children their age. Adults with Down syndrome are commonly smaller than adults who do not have Down syndrome. Trisomy 18 — Edward syndrome In Victoria, Edward syndrome affects about one in 1, pregnancies.

Some of the characteristics of Edward syndrome may include: physical irregularity of the kidneys, ureters, heart, lungs and diaphragm cleft lip or cleft palate small skull microcephaly malformations of the hands and feet — including missing thumbs, club feet and webbing between the fingers and toes syndactyly neural tube defect, where the spinal cord, meninges and blood vessels protrude through a gap in the vertebrae myelomeningocele malformations of the sex organs.

Survival beyond the neonatal period is uncommon for babies with Edward syndrome. Trisomy 13 — Patau syndrome In Victoria, Patau syndrome affects around one in 3, pregnancies. Some of the characteristics of Patau syndrome may include: small skull microcephaly an abnormal opening in the skull malformations of part of the brain structural defects of the eyes cleft lip or cleft palate additional toes or fingers polydactyly congenital heart disorders, such as ventricular septal defect neural tube defect, where the spinal cord, meninges and blood vessels protrude through a gap in the vertebrae myelomeningocele malformations of the sex organs.

Survival beyond the neonatal period is uncommon for babies with Patau syndrome. Signs of trisomy conditions during pregnancy Sometimes, signs of trisomy conditions may be evident during the pregnancy.

Some of these signs may include: too much amniotic fluid surrounding the baby polyhydramnios only one umbilical cord artery a smaller than expected placenta the baby is small for its gestational date the baby is less active than expected congenital defects, including cleft palate or heart irregularities, are picked up during ultrasound scans.

Genetic counselling and trisomy conditions If your child has been diagnosed with a trisomy condition, it may be helpful to speak to a genetic counsellor. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all birth defects. It is unclear why an extra copy of the Y chromosome is associated with tall stature, learning problems, and other features in some boys and men.

Some males with 47,XYY syndrome have an extra Y chromosome in only some of their cells. Most cases of 47,XYY syndrome are not inherited. The chromosomal change usually occurs as a random event during the formation of sperm cells. An error in cell division called nondisjunction can result in sperm cells with an extra copy of the Y chromosome. If one of these atypical reproductive cells contributes to the genetic makeup of a child, the child will have an extra Y chromosome in each of the body's cells.

It occurs as a random event during cell division in early embryonic development. Genetics Home Reference has merged with MedlinePlus. Learn more. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Reliable health resources can be helpful for finding information and support for XYY syndrome. Many organizations provide educational materials and can help you find doctors who specialize in symptoms related to the syndrome. There are also online communities that offer support as well as practical advice and tips.

Here are two we recommend. Unique , supports, informs and networks with anyone affected by a rare chromosome disorder or an autosomal dominant single gene disorder. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. XYY Syndrome. Reviewed: November 10,