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Falhammar, Henrik; Claahsen-van der Grinten, Hedi; Reisch, Nicole; Slowikowska-Hilczer, Jolanta; Nordenstrom, Anna; Röhle, Robert; Bouvattier, Claire; Kreukels, Baudewijntje P. C. and Kohler, Birgit (2018): Health status in 1040 adults with disorders of sex development (DSD): a European multicenter study. In: Endocrine Connections, Vol. 7, No. 3: pp. 466-478 [PDF, 581kB]

Abstract

Objective: The knowledge about health status in adults with disorder of sex development (DSD) is scarce. Design and methods: A cross-sectional observational study in 14 European tertiary centers recruited 1040 participants (717 females, 311 males, 12 others) with DSD. Mean age was 32.4 +/- 13.6 year (range 16-75). The cohort was divided into: Turner (n = 301), Klinefelter (n = 224), XY-DSD (n = 222), XX-DSD (excluding congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and 46,XX males) (n = 21), 46,XX-CAH (n = 226) and 45,X/46,XY (n = 45). Perceived and objective health statuses were measured and compared to European control data. Results: In DSD, fair to very good general health was reported by 91.4% and only 8.6% reported (very) bad general health (controls 94.0% and 6.0%, P<0.0001) Longstanding health issues other than DSD and feeling limited in daily life were reported in 51.0% and 38.6%, respectively (controls 24.5% and 13.8%, P< 0.0001 both). Any disorder except DSD was present in 84.3% (controls 24.6%, P< 0.0001). Males reported worse health than females In the subgroup analysis, Klinefelter and 46,XX-DSD patients reported bad general health in 15.7% and 16.7%, respectively (Turner 3.2% and CAH 7.4%). Comorbidities were prevalent in all DSD subgroups but Klinefelter and Turner were most affected. Early diagnosis of DSD and a healthy lifestyle were associated with less comorbidities. Conclusions: Overall, general health appeared to be good but a number of medical problems were reported, especially in Klinefelter and Turner. Early diagnosis of DSD and a healthy lifestyle seemed to be important. Lifelong follow-up at specialized centers is necessary.

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