Triple X syndrome (trisomy) is characterized by the presence of an additional X chromosome in each of a female's cells. Women normally have two X chromosomes, one from each parent. In triple X syndrome, a female has three X chromosomes and this is where, the name of the disorder comes from. Although females with this condition may be taller than average, this chromosomal change typically causes no unusual physical features.
Most females with triple X syndrome have normal sexual development and are able to conceive children. However, it is associated with an increased risk of learning disabilities and delayed development of speech and language skills. Delayed development of motor skills, weak muscle tone, and behavioral and emotional difficulties are also possible, but these characteristics vary widely among affected girls and women.
Symptoms
The symptoms of triple X syndrome may be:
- Delayed development of speech and language skills
- Tall stature
- Vertical skinfolds that may cover the inner corners of the eyes
- Weak muscle tone
- Curved pinky fingers
- Behavior and mental health problems
- Premature ovarian failure or ovary abnormalities
- Constipation or abdominal pains
Causes
People usually have 46 chromosomes occurring in 22 pairs, plus two sex chromosomes, one maternal and one paternal. These chromosomes contain genes, which carry instructions that determine everything about a human being.
The chromosome pair which determines the sex includes one sex chromosome from the mother and another from the father. The mother can give only an X chromosome, but the father conveys an X or a Y chromosome. If you receive an X chromosome from the father, the XX pair makes you genetically a female. If you receive a Y chromosome from the father, then the XY pair means you're genetically a male.
Women with triple X syndrome have a third X chromosome. This condition is genetic, but typically not inherited. What usually happens is that either the mother's egg cell or the father's sperm cell has not formed correctly, resulting in an extra X chromosome.
In the case of malformed egg cell, the extra chromosome may not appear until early in the development of the embryo. In this case, the female has a mosaic form of triple X syndrome. In case of mosaic form, only some of the body's cells have the third X chromosome. These females may have less severe symptoms.
Risk Factors
The genes are a basic part of the person’s whole existence, they decide about the environmental behavior, how it survives and what the entire human being is like. This kind of disease happens very rarely and it only happens with females. Another name for this disease syndrome is 47, XXX syndrome because the person has an extra X chromosome, 47 instead of 46 chromosomes.
Complications
Developmental delays or learning disabilities are the complications that may arise from triple X syndrome, which can lead to other issues, including career problems, stress and social isolation issues.
Other complications that may occur, although rarely, are:
- Seizures.
- Premature ovarian failure or ovary abnormalities.
- Kidney abnormalities.
Prevention
The chromosome change that causes triple X syndrome cannot be repaired, so the syndrome itself has no cure and cannot be prevented. However, given the treatable nature of most symptoms and how frequently no symptoms appear at all, it is quite possible to lead a full and normal life with this syndrome.
