Psychosocial and psychosexual aspects of disorders of sex development

Psychological support for individuals with differences of sex development (DSD)

OBJECTIVE

Congenital conditions with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex characteristics are referred to as Differences of Sex Development (DSD). Psychosocial care is recommended to be an integral part of clinical management for individuals with DSD. Few studies have examined the perceived need for, utilization of and the opinions of individuals with DSD regarding psychological support.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was part of a European multicentre study in 14 different medical centres in six countries. In total, 1040 individuals with DSD participated in a patient-reported outcome questionnaire asking about experiences and opinions regarding psychological support in DSD care.

RESULTS

A majority of the participants reported that they had not received psychological support, in childhood and/or adolescence (70.6%, n = 692) nor in adulthood (67.9%, n = 661). Need for psychological support in childhood and/or adolescence was reported by 51.3% (n = 503), need for psychological support in adulthood, was reported by 49.5% (n = 482). The majority (80.2%; n = 718) agreed with the statement that people with DSD should always be offered psychological support. According to 78.7% (n = 697) of the participants, parents of children with DSD should always be offered psychological support.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the existing consensus that psychological support should be an integral part of DSD care. The discrepancy between received and perceived need for psychological support suggests that individuals with DSD experience barriers to access mental health care services. Psychosocial and psychological services for children, adolescents and adults should therefore be available and offered throughout the lifespan to individuals with DSD.

Gender-Affirming Surgery in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Review of Ethical and Surgical Considerations

BACKGROUND

The number of transgender adolescents seeking gender-affirming surgery (GAS) in increasing. Surgical care of the adolescent transgender patient is associated with several unique technical, legal, and ethical factors. The authors present a review of the current literature on gender-affirming surgery for individuals under the age of legal majority and propose directions for future research.

METHODS

A scoping review of recent literature was performed to assess evidence on gender-affirming surgery in individuals under the age of legal majority. Articles were included that examined either ethical or technical factors unique to pediatric GAS. Study characteristics and conclusions were analyzed in conjunction with expert opinion.

RESULTS

Twelve articles were identified that met inclusion criteria. Ten of these articles discussed ethical challenges in adolescent GAS, seven discussed legal challenges, and five discussed technical challenges. Ethical discussions focused on the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, and autonomy. Legal discussions centered on informed consent and insurance coverage. Technical discussions focused on the effects of puberty blockade on natal tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical care of the adolescent transgender patient involves important ethical, legal, and technical considerations that must be addressed by the clinical team. As the population of individuals seeking GAS after puberty blockade increases, future research is needed describing functional and psychosocial outcomes in these individuals.

Sexuality and fertility desire in a large cohort of individuals with 46, XY differences in sex development

OBJECTIVE

To analyze aspects of sexual life and fertility desire among 46, XY DSD people, including those who changed their gender.

METHODS

It is a cross-sectional study including 127 adults (> 16 years of age) with 46, XY DSD (83 females; 44 males) from a Single Brazilian Tertiary-Care Medical Center.

RESULTS

Sexual fantasies and masturbation were more frequent in 46, XY DSD males, whereas orgasm and sexual life satisfaction were similar in both genders. More 46, XY DSD men than women had a long-term romantic relationship. 46, XY DSD women with prenatal androgen exposure reported more fear of being romantically rejected. External genitalia appearance at birth did not impact the sexuality of 46, XY DSD women after surgical genital treatment had been completed. Overall, the sexual life was similar between 46, XY men assigned as males and those who changed to the male gender. Regarding sexual orientation, most self-reported as heterosexual (91% and 92% of women and men, respectively). The desire for fertility had a similar prevalence in both genders, but more women than men considered infertility a barrier to a long-term romantic relationship. Twelve individuals (7 males) had children; 10 out of 12 have adopted children.

CONCLUSION

Fertility desire was shared among 46, XY DSD people, regardless of gender. Prenatal androgen exposure reduced the desire for motherhood in 46, XY women. 46, XY DSD people who changed from female to male gender presented similar sexual parameters as those assigned as males. Among females, virilized genitalia at birth did not affect sexuality once the surgical treatment is completed.

A 15–20-year follow-up of mental health, psychosocial functioning and quality of life in a single center sample of individuals with differences in sex development

Background: The aim of the study was to present metal health, psychosocial functioning and quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents with a difference in sex development (DSD) from their first visit in the newly established multidisciplinary team in 2002–2004 in Norway. A secondary aim was to explore mental health, psychosocial functioning and QoL in the same cohort patient’s as for today and finally explore any childhood predictors for these outcomes in adulthood.

Methods: The first part of the study took place in 2002–2004 in a mixed cohort of children and adolescents born with a DSD in 1982–2002, compared to a healthy comparison group. This part involved semi-structured interviews and self-reported and proxy-reported questionnaires. The second part of the study is a longitudinal study of the same participants 15–20 years later (2018–2020).

Results: The participants at baseline of the study consisted of 33 patients; 24 assigned females (congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen insensitivity syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis and ovotesticular DSD) and nine assigned males; all with a hypospadias diagnosis. Significant differences were found for behavioral and emotional problems between groups, 46, XX females with significant higher total scores on YSR (49.43 + 24.17, p  = .047); 46, XY females (21.00 + 12.04, p  = .032); and higher internalizing problems scores (YSR) in 46, XX females (16.57 + 9.74), compared with the 46, XY females (5.60 + 5.32, p = .047). A positive association between QoL of the participants in adulthood and PedsQL’ social function (r = .657, p = .020) and psychosocial function in childhood (r = .596, p = .041) was found.

Conclusions: In summary, this study demonstrated that adolescents assigned females with DSD might have more psychiatric problems and a poorer degree of psychosocial functioning compared to a healthy comparison group. As we do find an association with these problems in adolescence and later adult QoL, it is of great importance to respond to these behaviors in early life.

Sex attribution, gender identity and quality of life in disorders of sex development due to 45,X/46,XY mosaicism: methods for clinical and psychosocial assessment

The choice of sex in newborns with genital ambiguity is challenging. Information concerning the satisfaction of subjects with disorders of sex development from childhood to adulthood is required in order to address sex attribution policies. This study focuses on the methods that enable clinicians to investigate the alignment of phenotypes with gender identity and quality of life in people with disorders of this kind. These methods are presented as tools for studying a cohort of ten subjects with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism examined between 1985 and 2014 in the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin: five children and five young adults, four reared as females and six as males. Clinical outcome was assessed by means of a clinical scoring system considering height, genital appearance, gonads and pubertal development. The Gender Identity Questionnaire for Children and the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment were adopted. The four male children strongly identified with their assigned sex: male attribution was satisfactory until pubertal age. In young adults the clinical scores ranged between 55–65% for both genders. In the young male, the reduced sexual activity and the poor body image perception strongly affected his quality of life. The clinical scores of the two young female adults (60% for both) were not balanced with their quality of life scores (87.5% and 68.75% respectively): individual traits and social-familial context should be investigated in order to explain these differences. Clinical and psychosocial assessment in people with disorders of sex development is mandatory in order to plan care procedures; a detailed analysis requires adequate tools. Clinical scoring system, Gender Identity Questionnaire for Children and World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment can be used to investigate the alignment of physical phenotype with gender identity and quality of life.

Prenatal androgen exposure and children's gender-typed behavior and toy and playmate preferences

We report findings from two studies investigating possible relations of prenatal androgen exposure to a broad measure of children's gender-typed behavior, as well as specifically to children's toy and playmate preferences. Study 1 investigated these outcomes for 43 girls and 38 boys, aged 4 to 11 years, with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH, a genetic condition causing increased adrenal androgen production beginning prenatally) compared to similarly-aged, unaffected relatives (41 girls, 31 boys). The predicted sex differences were found for all of the outcome measures. Furthermore, girls with CAH showed increased male-typical and decreased female-typical behavior and toy and playmate preferences compared to unaffected girls. Study 2 investigated the relationship of amniotic fluid testosterone to gender-typed behavior and toy and playmate preferences in typically developing children (48 girls, 44 boys) aged 3 to 5 years. Although the predicted sex differences were found for all of the outcome measures, amniotic fluid testosterone was not a significant correlate, in the predicted direction, of any outcome measure for either sex. The results of study 1 provide additional support for an influence of prenatal androgen exposure on children's gender-typed behavior, including toy and playmate preferences. The results of study 2 do not, but amniotic fluid testosterone may be an insufficiently sensitive measure of early androgen exposure. A more sensitive and reliable measure of prenatal androgen exposure may be needed to consistently detect relations to later gender typed behavior in non-clinical populations.

Psychiatric view for disorders of sex development: a 12-year experience of a multidisciplinary team in a university hospital

Background Psychiatric consultation is important in the follow-up of disorders of sex development (DSD) patients. In this study, we aimed to present the 12-year psychiatric follow-up data of the patients who were referred by Ege University Medical Faculty DSD Multidisciplinary Team and followed up in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Methods Psychiatric data of 118 patients, who were followed by the DSD multidisciplinary team between 2007 and 2019, were reviewed retrospectively. The psychiatric diagnoses of the patients were evaluated according to semi-structured interview form Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children/Present and Lifetime Turkish Version. Results The mean age of the 118 cases was 13.21 years (±7.18). Endocrine diagnoses of the cases were 46 XX DSD in 35 (29.6%), 46 XY DSD in 81 (68.7%), and chromosome disorders in 2 (1.7%). There was at least psychiatric diagnosis in 36 (30.5%) cases. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n = 18, 15.3%). ADHD was most common in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (n = 4, 22.4%) and androgen synthesis defects (ASD) (n = 4, 22.4%); depression was most common in complete gonadal dysgenesis and ASD (n = 3, 23.1%); and mental retardation was most common in ASD (n = 3, 37.5%). Conclusions In order to provide a healthy perspective for cases with DSD, it is important to make a psychiatric evaluation and to share observations and clinical findings in regular team meetings.

Pubertal outcomes and sex of rearing of patients with ovotesticular disorder of sex development and mixed gonadal dysgenesis

PURPOSE

Patients with ovotesticular disorder of sex development (DSD) and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD) usually present with asymmetric gonads and have wide phenotypic variations in internal and external genitalia. The differential diagnosis of these conditions is based on karyotype and pathological findings of the gonads. This study investigated the clinical features at presentation, karyotype, sex of rearing, and pubertal outcomes of patients with ovotesticular DSD and MGD.

METHODS

The study comprised 23 patients with DSD who presented with asymmetric gonads. The presenting features, karyotype, sex of rearing, and pubertal outcomes were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

All 23 patients presented with ambiguous genitalia at a median age of 1 month (range, 1 day-1.6 years). Müllerian duct remnants were identified in 15 of 23 patients (65.2%). Fourteen patients were diagnosed with ovotesticular DSD, whereas the other 9 were diagnosed with MGD. Eight of 14 patients (57.1%) with ovotesticular DSD were raised as males, while 7 of 9 patients with MGD (77.8%) were assigned as males. One male-assigned patient with ovotesticular DSD changed to female sex at age 20 years.

CONCLUSION

Patients with ovotesticular DSD and MGD manifest overlapping clinical presentations and hormonal profiles. It is difficult to determine the sex of rearing and predict long-term pubertal outcomes. Therefore, long-term follow-up is required to monitor spontaneous puberty, sex outcome, and urological and gynecological complications.

Management of 46,XY Differences/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) Throughout Life

Differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions that result in discordance between an individual's sex chromosomes, gonads, and/or anatomic sex. Advances in the clinical care of patients and families affected by 46,XY DSD have been achieved since publication of the original Consensus meeting in 2006. The aims of this paper are to review what is known about morbidity and mortality, diagnostic tools and timing, sex of rearing, endocrine and surgical treatment, fertility and sexual function, and quality of life in people with 46,XY DSD. The role for interdisciplinary health care teams, importance of establishing a molecular diagnosis, and need for research collaborations using patient registries to better understand long-term outcomes of specific medical and surgical interventions are acknowledged and accepted. Topics that require further study include prevalence and incidence, understanding morbidity and mortality as these relate to specific etiologies underlying 46,XY DSD, appropriate and optimal options for genitoplasty, long-term quality of life, sexual function, involvement with intimate partners, and optimizing fertility potential.

Psychosexual Aspects, Effects of Prenatal Androgen Exposure, and Gender Change in 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development

CONTEXT

In 46,XY disorders of sexual development (DSD) patients, several factors may affect psychosexual development, leading to gender identity discrepancy and gender change later in life. Prenatal sexual steroid exposure and external genital virilization are considered to influence human psychosexual development, but their roles not completely understood yet.

DESIGN

A total of 144 individuals (18 to 60 years of age) with a clinical/molecular diagnosis of 46,XY DSD from a single tertiary center were enrolled. Psychosexual outcomes (gender role, gender identity, and sexual orientation) were assessed using questionnaires and psychological test. The Sinnecker score was used for genital virilization measurement. Prenatal androgen exposure was estimated according to 46,XY DSD etiology.

RESULTS

We found a positive association between prenatal androgen exposure and male psychosexual outcomes. Alternatively, prenatal estrogen exposure, age of gonadectomy, and the degree of external genital virilization did not influence any psychosexual outcome. There were 19% (n = 27) with gender change, which was associated with prenatal androgen exposure (P < 0.001) but not with the external genital virilization. The median age of gender change was 15 years, but most of the patients reported the desire for gender change earlier.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal androgen exposure influenced psychosexual development in 46,XY DSD favoring male psychosexuality in all psychosexual outcomes, whereas the degree of external genital virilization did not influence these outcomes. The organizational effect of sexual steroids on psychosexuality at puberty appears to be weak in comparison with the prenatal effects. Prenatal androgen exposure also influenced female-to-male gender change frequency. All 46,XY DSD conditions with prenatal androgen exposure must be followed for gender issues in their management.

Variations of sex development: The first German interdisciplinary consensus paper

INTRODUCTION

The term variations of sex development subsumes a large number of congenital conditions including chromosomal mosaics and variations of chromosomal, gonadal, and phenotypic sex. A situation of this nature may cause severe distress to both, parents and affected persons. One of the reasons for this is the binary form of gender classification in the society. In the past, because of a fear of possible stigmatization and an inability to cope with complex situations, it has been medical policy and practice for newborns to undergo early, mostly 'feminizing' elective surgery with the aim of achieving an outer genital appearance that is unambiguously male or female. Protests by advocacy groups for the most part as well as the results of outcome studies have shown that the development of affected persons may be very different to what has been expected and often does not result in the intended clear female or male gender identity as had been intended. It, therefore, seemed a matter of urgency to implement this new awareness as well as the ethical and personal human rights perspectives in the recommendations for the medical and psychosocial management of diverse sex development (DSD) in the future.

STUDY DESIGN

In 2012, an interdisciplinary group of German academics engaged in the field of DSD decided to work on a consensus paper for this topic. It involved the participation of all faculties and non-scientific groups dealing with DSD, in particular advocacy and service-user groups. In a structured consensus, process recommendations were developed based on scientific literature as well as personal experiences of clinicians and affected individuals.

RESULTS

Finally, 37 recommendations were agreed on. The strength of consensus is reflected in the degree of agreement as expressed in percentages.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of the consensus paper reflects on the emerging paradigm shift and the necessity for a more open view of gender within society. The paper is intended to aid the performance of appropriate diagnostics in DSD-affected newborns and especially to help parents and affected persons cope with the biological and social consequences of DSD. With regard to medical or surgical therapy, it gives information about the most recent treatment trends.

Late diagnosis of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome and transmission/carriers of the condition in a family with mutation c.2495G> T p.(Arg832Leu) in exon 7 of the androgen receptor gene: genetic, clinical and ethical aspects

BACKGROUND

The complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is a rare genetic disorder causing insensitivity to androgens in a person with female phenotype and 46,XY karyotype due to a mutation in the androgen receptor gene located on chromosome X. These children are born with female external genitalia, and females are transmitters.

CASE REPORT

We illustrate an unexpected diagnosis of CAIS in two siblings during examination for short stature, and describe transmission/carriers in the family along with ethical aspects.

CONCLUSION

A genetic examination could have earlier revealed the transmission of c.2495G>Tp.(Arg832Leu) mutation in exon 7. Our experience highlights the possibility of prenatal testing for the management of pregnancy in a family with a history of CAIS. The implications of prenatal testing in relation to CAIS with clearer explication of ethical and clinical issues warrant further investigation.

Childhood Sex-Typed Behavior and Gender Change in Individuals with 46,XY and 46,XX Disorders of Sex Development: An Iranian Multicenter Study

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions in which the typical genetic and hormonal profiles are affected and thereby the usual process of sexual differentiation. Most of these studies, however, have been conducted in Western countries. In the present study, preschool sex-typed activities of Iranian individuals with DSD and their age-matched non-affected male and female relatives were assessed using the Pre-School Activities Inventory (PSAI) modified for retrospective self-report. A total of 192 individuals participated in our study, including 33 46,XX individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH; M age = 10.36, SD = 5.52), 15 46,XY individuals with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS; M age = 19.8, SD = 7.14), and 16 46,XY individuals with 5-alpha reductase deficiency type-2 (5α-RD-2; M age = 17.31, SD = 7.28), as well as one age-matched non-affected male and female relative for each patient. With regard to PSAI scores, male-identifying participants with 5α-RD-2 and male controls reported similar levels of male-typical childhood play. Female-identifying participants with 5α-RD-2 and CAH showed comparable scores: significantly less masculine and more feminine than male controls, but significantly more masculine and less feminine than females with CAIS and female controls. These findings support the role of androgens in the development of sex-typical childhood play behavior, with those being exposed to higher levels of fetal functional androgens expressing more masculine behavior at preschool ages.

Experiences of people living with disorders of sex development and sex reassignment: Meta-ethnography of qualitative studies

AIM

The aim of this study was to synthesize the experiences of people with disorders of sex development.

BACKGROUND

The quality of life of people with disorders of sex development depends largely on the availability of good psychosocial and psychosexual management. There is a lack of qualitative systematic reviews of the literature on the experiences of people with disorders of sex development.

DESIGN

The seven steps of qualitative meta-ethnography were employed in this review.

DATA SOURCES

The following electronic databases were systematically searched until January 2017: Science Direct, Scopus, Sage online, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar. Search terms for this review were "disorders of sex development," "intersex," "ambiguous genitalia," "experiences," "qualitative study," and "method".

REVIEW METHOD

A 13-item scale was applied to evaluate the quality of the selected studies and synthesized using the principles of meta-ethnography.

FINDINGS

Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria. Six major themes described the experiences of people with disorders of sex development. These included a range of physical, psychological, social, and sexual experiences which affect their quality of life. Different coping strategies were employed by individuals who live with the lifelong condition.

CONCLUSION

Disorders of sex development affect the quality of life of people living with these disorders. Nurses are tasked with providing holistic care for people with disorders of sex development in order to improve their quality of lives. As such, there is a need to explore the experiences of nurses in the management of disorders of sex development.

Quality of Life in Children with Disorders of Sex Development

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of rare conditions. Evidence-based treatment is challenged by a lack of clinical longitudinal outcome studies. We sought to investigate the quality of life of children with DSD other than congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

METHODS

The participants (aged 6-18 years) were 23 patients raised as males and 7 patients raised as females. Control data were obtained from representatives of the patients' siblings matched for age and gender. The Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM Version 4.0 (PedsQL) Generic Core Scales were used as the study tool.

RESULTS

In comparison with the reference data, the patient group had significantly lower overall PedsQL (p < 0.01) and school functioning (p < 0.01) scores. Also, the total PedsQL score was significantly lower in patients with DSD who were of female social sex as compared to the controls who were females. Family income, surgical procedures, degree of virilization, and mode of puberty did not influence the PedsQL scores.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a poorer quality of life for patients with DSD as compared to the age-matched control group. This highlights the need for a skilled multidisciplinary team to manage this group of patients.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome: a review

Androgenic insensitivity syndrome is the most common cause of disorders of sexual differentiation in 46,XY individuals. It results from alterations in the androgen receptor gene, leading to a frame of hormonal resistance, which may present clinically under 3 phenotypes: complete (CAIS), partial (PAIS) or mild (MAIS). The androgen receptor gene has 8 exons and 3 domains, and allelic variants in this gene occur in all domains and exons, regardless of phenotype, providing a poor genotype - phenotype correlation in this syndrome. Typically, laboratory diagnosis is made through elevated levels of LH and testosterone, with little or no virilization. Treatment depends on the phenotype and social sex of the individual. Open issues in the management of androgen insensitivity syndromes includes decisions on sex assignment, timing of gonadectomy, fertility, physcological outcomes and genetic counseling.

Sex Assignment in Conditions Affecting Sex Development

The newborn infant with atypical genitalia presents a challenging clinical scenario and requires expert input. There have been appreciable advances in our knowledge of the underlying causes that may lead to a mere difference or a more serious disorder of sex development (DSD), the natural history of conditions, as well as the short and long-term complications of these conditions themselves, together with the clinical interventions that are associated with these conditions. With this information, the DSD expert can be more confident when discussing options with the parents of the newborn infant. By working within a multidisciplinary team, the expert should be able to support the family whilst individualising the management plan so that it is also cognizant of the shifts in societal attitudes and expectations around concepts of diversity and openness. It is, therefore, likely that the practice of assigning sex, especially in those cases where sex assignment is unclear on expert assessment, will continue to show temporal, social and geographical variations. It is imperative that clinical data for rare conditions such as these are collected in a standardized format and shared through a common registry so that any evidence that is used for future shifts in practice has a stronger foundation than that which is currently available.

Prenatal androgen exposure and children's aggressive behavior and activity level

Some human behaviors, including aggression and activity level, differ on average for males and females. Here we report findings from two studies investigating possible relations between prenatal androgen and children's aggression and activity level. For study 1, aggression and activity level scores for 43 girls and 38 boys, aged 4 to 11years, with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH, a genetic condition causing increased adrenal androgen production beginning prenatally) were compared to those of similarly-aged, unaffected relatives (41 girls, 31 boys). Girls with CAH scored higher on aggression than unaffected girls, d=0.69, and unaffected boys scored higher on activity level than unaffected girls, d=0.50. No other group differences were significant. For study 2, the relationship of amniotic fluid testosterone to aggression and activity level was investigated in typically-developing children (48 girls, 44 boys), aged 3 to 5years. Boys scored higher than girls on aggression, d=0.41, and activity level, d=0.50. However, amniotic fluid testosterone was not a significant predictor of aggression or activity level for either sex. The results of the two studies provide some support for an influence of prenatal androgen exposure on children's aggressive behavior, but not activity level. The within-sex variation in amniotic fluid testosterone may not be sufficient to allow reliable assessment of relations to aggression or activity level.

Creation of a Neovagina by Laparoscopic Modified Davydov Vaginoplasty in Patients with Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic modified Davydov vaginoplasty in subjects with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS).

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification III).

SETTING

A tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Ten continuous patients operated on between October 2008 and May 2014.

INTERVENTIONS

Laparoscopic modified Davydov vaginoplasty. The surgical technique was tailored on PAIS subjects who presented a male pelvic anatomy and, frequently, anomalies of the external genitalia.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Anatomic success was defined as a neovaginal width allowing the insertion of 2 fingers and a neovaginal length of at least 5 cm. Functional success was defined as the presence of regular sexual intercourse. Laparoscopic modified Davydov vaginoplasty was successfully performed in all patients without surgical complications. At hospital discharge, anatomic success was achieved in all patients. At the 12-month follow-up, anatomic success was achieved in 9 patients and functional success in 7 patients. Two patients with anatomic success did not start any sexual activity by personal choice. One patient had an anatomic failure with a neovaginal length of 2 cm. This patient had not complied with the postoperative use of vaginal dilators.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study reporting the outcomes of laparoscopic modified Davydov vaginoplasty in subjects with PAIS. Postoperative long-term outcomes were comparable with those achieved in women with Rokitansky syndrome. The laparoscopic modified Davydov operation may represent the procedure of choice for the creation of a neovagina and the concomitant correction of anomalies of the external genitalia in subjects with PAIS.

Behavioural Problems in Children with 46XY Disorders of Sex Development

The aim of this study is to determine the behavioural problems of children with 46XY disorders of sex development (DSD) with genital ambiguity and to identify the risk factors that may influence behaviour. The 27 participants (aged 6-18 years) consisted of 21 patients raised as boys and 6 patients raised as girls. Control data were obtained from a representative sibling of each patient who was matched for age and gender. The study tool used was the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), which is a parent-administered questionnaire. The analysis of the behavioural scores revealed that the patient group had poorer scores in the total, externalizing, and internalizing realms. This group also had poorer scores in the anxious-depressed, social, and rule-breaking realms as compared to the control group. In addition, the XY-F group had higher scores (more pathological) than the XY-M group, although the difference in the scores was not statistically significant. A comparison of the prevalence of patients with scores in the clinical range with that of the control group was not statistically significant. These findings support the current recommendations that psychological counselling should be an integral part of the professional support offered to patients with DSD.

Gender Assignment, Reassignment and Outcome in Disorders of Sex Development: Update of the 2005 Consensus Conference

BACKGROUND

Societal changes are increasingly moving the conceptualization of gender from a set of binary categories towards a bimodal continuum, which along with the cautious conclusions resulting from the 2005 Consensus Conference influences gender-related clinical work with patients with disorders of sex development.

OBJECTIVE

This article provides an update of these developments over the past decade along with an overview of pertinent new data.

CONCLUSION

Considerably more research is needed on larger sample sizes with systematic long-term follow-up to ground the emerging trends in clinical management of the highly diverse disorders of sex development syndromes in a solid empirical basis.

Gender of rearing and psychosocial aspect in 46 XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

In congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with ambiguous genitalia, assigning gender of rearing can be complex, especially If genitalia is highly virilized. Apart from karyotype, prenatal androgen exposure, patient's gender orientation, sociocultural, and parental influences play a role. The aim of this study was to assess gender dysphoria and psychosocial issues in patients of CAH raised as males and females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study that includes patients (old and new) with CAH who were treated by us in the last 6 months. A semi-structured interview proforma was used to elicit history and psychosocial background of the patients. The clinical and biochemical details were noted. For psychological analysis, patients were screened for gender dysphoria using Parent Report Gender Identity Questionnaire for children <12 years and Gender Identity/Gender Dysphoria Questionnaire for Adolescents and Adults.

RESULTS

We analyzed 22 46 XX CAH patients among which, 3 were reared as males and 19 as females. Among the 19 patients reared as females, 17 patients showed no gender dysphoria. Two patients revealed gender dysphoria as indicated by their marginally low scores on the gender dysphoria assessment. However, in view of current literature and the age groups of the patients, behavior of the 6-year-old patient can be best understood as being tomboyish. Gender dysphoria in the 22-year-old can be explained by the dominance of psychosocial factors and not hormones alone. Among the three patients reared as males, two prepubertal were satisfied with their male gender identity. The third patient, aged 32 years, had gender dysphoria when reared as a male that resolved when gender was reassigned as female and feminizing surgery was done.

CONCLUSION

Gender assignment in 46 XX CAH is guided by factors such as degree of virilization of genitalia, gender orientation, patient involvement, sociocultural, and parental influences.

Gender Dysphoria in a 62-Year-Old Genetic Female With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

We report a case of gender dysphoria (GD) in a 62-year-old genetic female patient, raising the pros and cons of performing corrective surgery later in life. This 46,XX DSD patient was registered and reared as a girl; CAH was diagnosed late in childhood. Poor adherence to treatment and lack of proper psychological management contributed to evident GD. Living for years as a male, the patient applied for a legitimate male identification document in his late 50s; thereafter, he requested a sex-reassignment surgery "to disguise his female body upon his death." We informed the patient and family about surgery hazards, while analytical therapy allowed the group to evaluate the actual wish for surgery. When the wish was brought up, the role of death urged the group to rethink the course of treatment. During the process, it became clear that the patient's desire for surgery, more than a wish for changing the genitalia, expressed an impulse related to issues of endorsement and acceptance of his male identity. This report raises interesting questions about sexuality in a social context and prompts the idea that sexuality is broader than sex itself, raising new questions on the psychological risks faced when considering a body change after years of living with a disorder of sex development.

Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome in Three Generations of Indian Pedigree

BACKGROUND

Androgen insensitivity syndrome or testicular feminization syndrome is a rare X-linked recessive disorder, which encompasses a wide range of phenotypes that are caused by numerous different mutations in the androgen receptor gene. Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome occurs when the body cannot use androgens at all. People with this form of the condition have the external sex characteristics of females, but do not have a uterus and therefore do not menstruate and are unable to conceive a child (infertile).

METHODS

In this paper, we report three cases of familial complete androgen insensitivity syndrome who presented with primary amenorrhea.

RESULTS

Physical examination, ultrasonography studies, and biochemical, karyotype, and molecular cytogenetic analyses were conducted. Based on the findings, they were diagnosed and confirmed as having complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.

CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary team is needed from disclosure of the diagnosis, gender assignment, surgical management, hormonal replacement therapy, to counseling and support.

Gender identity and gender of rearing in 46 XY disorders of sexual development

BACKGROUND

Disorders of sexual development (DSD) may pose a challenge to live as a fully-functioning male or female. In this study, we prospectively assessed eleven 46 XY DSD patients who were being treated at our center over the last 8 months for gender dysphoria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine gender dysphoria, age-appropriate gender identity (GI) questionnaires were used. For patients, 12 years and below, parent report GI questionnaire for children was used and for those above 12 years of age, GI/gender dysphoria questionnaire for adolescents and adults was administered.

RESULTS

Of 11 patients with 46 XY DSD, three were diagnosed with 5 alpha reductase deficiency (5aRD), two with partial gonadal dysgenesis, three with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, one each with ovotesticular, complete gonadal dysgenesis, and complete androgen insensitivity. Gender assigned at birth was female in eight and male in three patients. Among the eight reared as female, gender had been reassigned as male in three patients well before the present study was conducted. None of the eleven patients had gender dysphoria at the time of this study.

CONCLUSION

Early gender of rearing was seen to be a critical indicator of present GI in our patients except in cases of 5aRD.

The Lived Experience of MRKH: Sharing Health Information with Peers

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To examine the process and emotional effect of disclosing a personal diagnosis of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) to peers during adolescence and young adulthood.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Qualitative study using semistructured telephone interviews.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine women diagnosed with MRKH, aged 21-31 years, recruited via patient support groups.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Motivators and barriers to self-disclosure of a diagnosis of MRKH to peers and partners.

RESULTS

Motivators to tell peers about a diagnosis included significant trust in the relationship (whether platonic or romantic), needing to unload the experienced burden of diagnosis, and a sense of responsibility to be forthcoming if a long-term romantic future was desired. The most common barrier to telling others was fear of rejection or being labeled a "freak." Although most participants did not receive guidance from a health care provider regarding approaches to sharing diagnostic information with others, almost all participants reported wishing they had received such counseling.

CONCLUSION

A diagnosis of MRKH elicits recurring anxieties about disclosure and the effect on relationships that are inadequately addressed by health care providers. Guidance and support on disclosure to friends and romantic partners should be provided whenever possible.

Psychosocial well-being in Dutch adults with disorders of sex development

OBJECTIVE

Atypical sex development is associated with psychosocial vulnerability. We investigated psychosocial well-being in individuals with disorders of sex development (DSD) and hypothesized that psychosocial well-being was related to degree of genital atypicality at birth.

METHODS

120 male (n=16) and female (n=104) persons with DSD, aged 14-60 years, participated in a follow-up audit on psychosocial well-being. They were stratified in: women with 1) 46,XY and female genitalia, 2) 46,XY or 46,XX and atypical genitalia, and 3) men with 46,XY and atypical genitalia. We used the Illness Cognition Questionnaire (ICQ), Checklist Individual Strength (CIS8R), TNO-AZL Quality of Life questionnaire (TAAQOL), Adult Self-Report (ASR), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES).

RESULTS

Data were compared to reference groups. Participants generally were coping well with DSD (ICQ). Women with DSD reported elevated levels of fatigue (CIS8R) and slightly more attention and memory problems (TAAQOL, ASR). Women with atypical genitalia reported more emotional and behavioral problems. On the ASR Rule-breaking Behavior and Antisocial Personality scales, these women had similar scores as reference men. Women with DSD reported a higher self-esteem (RSES). No differences in psychosocial well-being were found between men with DSD and reference men.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with DSD across all diagnostic groups generally reported a good psychosocial well-being. The results further suggest involvement of prenatal androgens in the development of personality traits related to assertiveness and egocentricity. We recommend that individuals with a DSD and their families are involved in decision-making processes and have access to multidisciplinary care.

Management framework paradigms for disorders of sex development

Until 2005, questions regarding medical treatment and diagnostic information on Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) were not systematically discussed with both the patients and their families; however, the way these patients are currently treated have been changing with time. Interventional changes in the clinical-psychotherapeutic-surgical areas of DSD determine not only different medical recommendations but also help to place the patient and the family into the decisional process of therapy. We must consider two paradigmatic periods that have influenced and transformed the clinical management framework of patients with DSD: a) The "Money era" (1955), which emphasized the role of the gonads as the diagnostic criterion, having the environment as determinant of the sex identity; and b) The Chicago Consensus (2005) phase, in which the role of genetics and molecular biology was critical for an early identification, as well as in building a proper sex identity, emphasizing ethical questions and the "stigma culture". In addition, recent data have focused on the importance of interdisciplinarity and statements on questions concerning Human Rights as key factors in treatment decision making. Despite each of these management models being able to determine specific directions and recommendations regarding the clinical handling of these patients, we verify that a composite of these several models is the clinical routine nowadays. In the present paper, we discuss these several paradigms, and pinpoint clinical differences and their unfolding regarding management of DSD patients and their families.

The DSM-5 and the Politics of Diagnosing Transpeople

In the DSM-5, there has been a change in the diagnosis for transpeople of all ages from Gender Identity Disorder (GID) to Gender Dysphoria (GD), in part to better indicate the distress that transpeople may experience when their gender identity feels incongruent. The Workgroup for Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders, chaired by Kenneth J. Zucker, was employed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to update the DSM-5's GID diagnosis reflecting contemporary scientific knowledge. Additionally, in a pre-publication report to the APA, members of the Workgroup suggested that they would also be concerned with the destigmatization of transpeople while preserving a diagnosis that medical insurance companies would accept for issuing payments for transitioning treatments (Drescher, 2013). The aims of this article are, firstly, to question whether changing the diagnosis lessens the stigmatization of transpeople. I will suggest that the semantic change from GID to GD marks "inverted" gendered expressions as pathological and, thus, continues to stigmatize transpeople. Secondly, the article explores the development of the GD diagnosis, and illustrates how the scientific data this were founded on are contentious. The article then demonstrates how the trans anti-pathologization movement has challenged the perceived pathologizing effects of the DSM-5 classification of GD. The article examines a selection of Western transgender community advocates' websites, forums, and blogs. From these sources, the article then explores the different narratives of transpeople and political groups who offer details of their praxis, and evidences how the trans anti-pathologization advocates use the available science and human rights discourses to contest the role of psychiatry in the treatment of transpeople.

The investigation of quality of life in 87 Chinese patients with disorders of sex development

Objective. In the process of care for disorders of sex development (DSD), clinical decisions should focus on the long-term quality of life (QOL). We sought to investigate the QOL of patients with DSD in China. Design. Case-control study was carried out. Patients. 90 patients of DSD participated in the study. Finally, 87 patients were analyzed including Turner's syndrome (23), Noonan syndrome (2), androgen insensitivity syndrome (22), testicular regression syndrome (2), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (16), and pure gonadal dysgenesis (22). Measurements. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was chosen for the present investigation. Four domain scores were analyzed independently including physical, psychological, and social relationship and environmental domains. Results. The average age of the DSD group is 22.34 ± 4.97 years, and only 13.79% patients ever had sexual life. The scores of psychological and environmental domains were lower than that of the physical and social relationship domains, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Compared with the Chinese urban population, the QOL scores of DSD patients in China were not significantly lower. Conclusions. With proper treatment, including the follow-up and psychological support, the QOL of DSD patients cannot be significantly reduced. For DSD patients, more attention should be paid to the potential psychological and sexual problems.

Understanding disorders of sexual development

Studies estimate that the incidence of genital anomalies could be as high as 1 in 300 births. While it is rare for an infant to present with truly ambiguous genitalia, it is plausible that the pediatric nurse will encounter a patient with disorders of sexual development in his or her career. Cases of disorders of sexual development are challenging due to complexities of diagnosis, gender assignment, uncertain outcomes, treatment options, and psychosocial stressors. This article discusses the evaluation and management of children with disorders of sexual development and the nurse's role as child advocate and family educator.

Health related quality of life of children and adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia in Brazil

Background

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is an endocrine disorder characterized by enzymatic deficiency in adrenal steroidogenesis, leading to adrenal insufficiency and hyperandrogenism. Patients need continuous hormone replacement therapy, but adequate control has proven challenging, exposing patients to undesirable consequences of both disease and treatment.

Objective

To evaluate the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Methods

In an analytical study, generic questionnaires, validated and translated versions, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (for self-assessment of patients) and Child Health Questionnaire - PF50 (for parents) were applied and mean scores were analyzed with Student’s t-test.

Results

We included 25 patients (19 female) with classical CAH (14 salt wasting/11 simple virilizing), mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of 11.4 ± 3.6 years (5–17.9), and their parents. Self-assessment of HRQOL showed decrease in mean scores: overall (67.8 ± 15.5 vs. 88.9 ± 7.4, p value = 0.015) and in the physical (75.2 ± 15.0 vs. 95.9 ± 5.8, p value = 0.014) and psychosocial (63.9 ± 17.8 vs. 85.0 ± 9.6, p value = 0.023) dimensions of patients, compared to healthy controls (previously published national data on children and adolescents). The assessment of the parent’s view was concordant, also showing losses in the physical (43.7 ± 8.0 vs. 55.1 ± 3.6, p value = 0.013) and psychosocial (41.9 ± 9.7 vs. 53.0 ± 7.0, p value = 0.025) dimensions. The comparison of HRQOL between subgroups 1) males versus females and 2) salt-wasting versus simple virilizing showed no significant differences.

Conclusion

There seems to be a loss of HRQOL in children and adolescents with classical CAH. The self-assessment was concordant in key areas with the assessment made by their parents. No differences were observed between genders or clinical presentation of the disease.

Health-related quality of life in children with disorders of sex development (DSD)

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are rare genetic conditions resulting in atypical development of the sex organs. While some evidence is available on psychosexual outcomes, much less is known about the quality of life in this population, especially in children. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a widely accepted endpoint for assessment and evaluation of interventions and medical care. Within the German DSD Network study, 86 children aged 8-12 years with several subtypes of DSD were recruited from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Demographic, medical and psychosocial variables were collected through interviews of the attending physicians, the children and the parents. HRQOL was the primary outcome. It was assessed by the KINDL-R Questionnaire [2001]. Psychosexual determinants included gender identity/gender dysphoria, gender role behaviour, the child's knowledge about the condition and number/timing of genital surgery. A significant reduction of HRQOL was reported in children's self-report (p < 0.001), in particular in the area of self-esteem (p < 0.001), physical well-being (p < 0.01) and school functioning (p < 0.05). Girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who experienced gender dysphoria reported lower HRQOL scores compared to the study group at large. Atypical gender role behaviour was not associated with HRQOL.

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial support of children with DSD and their families appears to be necessary in at least some cases and must be accessible for all patients.

[Congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the adult women: management of old and new challenges]

Due to major improvements in the management and therapy of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia owing to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) along childhood and adolescence, affected women are able to reach adulthood. Therefore, management throughout adult life became even more complex, leading to new challenges. Both the protracted use of corticosteroids (sometimes in supraphysiologic doses), and excess androgen (due to irregular treatment and/or inadequate dosage) may impair the quality of life and health outcomes in affected adult women, causing osteoporosis, metabolic disturbances with high cardiovascular risk, cosmetic damage, infertility, and psychosocial and psychosexual changes. However, long-term follow-up studies with 21OHD adult women are still required. In this review, we discuss some important and controversial aspects of the follow-up of adult women with 21OHD, and recommend the use of a customized multi-disciplinary therapeutic approach while further studies with these patients do not provide distinct understanding and well-defined attitudes towards better quality of life.

Predictors of posttraumatic stress in parents of children diagnosed with a disorder of sex development

The aims of the current study were twofold: (1) to assess the prevalence/severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) as well as cognitive and emotional responses in parents whose children were diagnosed with a disorder of sex development (DSD); and (2) to assess factors which contributed to PTSS. We hypothesized that parents would show elevated levels of PTSS and that negative cognitive and/or emotional responses would be predictive. Participants were parents of children diagnosed with a DSD. Thirty-six mothers and 11 fathers completed a measure of posttraumatic stress and reported difficulties in the domains of cognition (e.g., confusion) and emotion (e.g., grief). Using multiple regression, we determined factors contributing to parental PTSS. Reported PTSS was high: 31 % of mothers and 18 % of fathers met the threshold for caseness for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Regression included: child sex, parent sex, child age at diagnosis, years since diagnosis, genital ambiguity, father occupation, cognitive confusion, and emotional distress. Only cognitive confusion contributed significantly to variance in PTSS. Parents of children with DSD may experience the diagnosis as traumatic, evidenced by high rates of PTSS in the current report. Assessment of reactions to their children's diagnoses revealed that cognitive confusion, and not emotional distress, predicted PTSS. In this case, direct cognitive interventions may be applicable. Though psychological support is widely recommended, no detailed intervention has been offered. Our findings suggest that we may directly apply models successful in other areas of pediatrics, such as pediatric oncology. Future studies may assess the usefulness of such an intervention.

Reproductive outcomes of female patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase defi ciency

Fertility in women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) appears to be reduced, especially in women with the classic salt-wasting type. Several factors have been suggested to contribute to this subfertility such as androgen excess, adrenal progesterone hypersecretion, consequences of genital reconstructive surgery, secondary polycystic ovaries syndrome, and psychosexual factors. In contrast to this subfertility, pregnancies are commonly normal and uneventful. Adequate glucocorticoid therapy and improvement of surgical and psychological management could contribute to optimize fertility in CAH female patients, even among women with the classic variant. This review provides current information regarding the reproductive outcomes of women with CAH due to 21-OHD and the fertility and pregnancy issues in this population.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a disorder caused by a mutation of the gene encoding the androgen receptor (AR; Xq11-q12). The prevalence of AIS has been estimated to be one case in every 20,000 to 64,000 newborn males for the complete syndrome (CAIS), and the prevalence is unknown for the partial syndrome (PAIS). The symptoms range from phenotypically normal males with impaired spermatogenesis to phenotypically normal women with primary amenorrhea. Various forms of ambiguous genitalia have been observed at birth. The diagnosis is confirmed by determining the exact mutation in the AR gene. PAIS individuals require precise diagnosis as early as possible so that the sex can be assigned, treatment can be recommended, and they can receive proper genetic counseling. After birth, differential diagnosis should be performed using other forms of abnormal sexual differentiation of primary amenorrhea. The treatment of AIS is based on reinforcement sexual identity, gonadectomy planning, and hormone replacement therapy. The prognosis for CAIS is good if the testicular tissue is removed at the appropriate time. For PAIS, the prognosis depends on the ambiguity of the genitalia and physical and psychosocial adjustment to the assigned sex.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome in its complete form is a disorder of hormone resistance characterised by a female phenotype in an individual with an XY karyotype and testes producing age-appropriate normal concentrations of androgens. Pathogenesis is the result of mutations in the X-linked androgen receptor gene, which encodes for the ligand-activated androgen receptor--a transcription factor and member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. This Seminar describes the clinical manifestations of androgen insensitivity syndrome from infancy to adulthood, reviews the mechanism of androgen action, and shows examples of how mutations of the androgen receptor gene cause the syndrome. Management of androgen insensitivity syndrome should be undertaken by a multidisciplinary team and include gonadectomy to avoid gonad tumours in later life, appropriate sex-hormone replacement at puberty and beyond, and an emphasis on openness in disclosure.

The clinical and genetic heterogeneity of mixed gonadal dysgenesis: does "disorders of sexual development (DSD)" classification based on new Chicago consensus cover all sex chromosome DSD?

Clinical findings illustrate the wide spectrum of the phenotypic manifestations of 45,X/46,XY mosaicism in the sex chromosome disorders of sex differentiation (DSD). The objective of study is to evaluate the characteristics of 45,X/46,XY patients and questioning of their place within the DSD categorization. The clinical findings of 11 patients with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism are described including the presentation, gonadal morphology, genital anatomy, and the hormone levels among 285 patients with DSD evaluated. Sixty-seven patients were diagnosed with sex chromosome DSD (50 Turner, three Klinefelter, ten 45,X/46,XY gonadal disgenesis, one 45X/46,XY ovotesticular DSD, one 47,XYY ovotesticular DSD, and two 46,XX/46,XY ovotesticular DSD). The type and the percentage of patients with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism were as follows: Four cases of mix gonadal dysgenesis, four cases of partial gonadal dysgenesis, two cases of complete gonadal dysgenesis, one case of ovotesticular DSD. On the other hand, another patient that has 45,X/46,XX mosaicism was diagnosed with MGD with the presence of the streak gonad on the right side and the testis on the other side.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that sex chromosome DSD categorization can include 45,X/46,XY PGD and 45,X/46,XY CGD. Mixed gonadal dysgenesis may be also placed among the disorders of testicular differentiation of 46,XY DSD subdivision.