Definition of Triple X

Triple X Syndrome, also known as Triplo-X, Trisomy X and XXX Syndrome is a rare condition that occurs only in females at the rate of about 1 in 1,000 births. Approximately 5 to 10 girls are born in the United States with the condition each day. Some girls go their entire lives undiagnosed because of the vague or nonexistent symptoms associated with triple X syndrome. Others experience lifelong problems, for which there are very few treatment options.

  1. Definition

    • Chromosomes

      Triple X syndrome presents itself as an abnormality of the chromosomes in a female's body. Normal females have two X chromosomes, one contributed by each parent. Patients with triple X syndrome have three X chromosomes. Healthy people have 46 chromosomes per cell in their bodies. Of these, two known as X and Y, are called sex chromosomes because their genetic codes determine whether a person will be male or female. Females normally have two X chromosomes and males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. Triple X syndrome occurs when an extra X chromosome is present in each of the female's cells. This results in the female having 47 chromosomes instead of the normal 46.

    Symptoms

    • Many girls grow into adulthood without knowing they have triple X syndrome because the symptoms are often vague. Some females grow taller than average, but the condition doesn't normally cause abnormal physical features. The majority of women with triple X syndrome experience normal sexual development and can conceive children.

      Triple X syndrome has been associated with a higher rate of learning disabilities and slow development of language and speech skills. Also observed has been slow manifestation of motor skills, such as walking and sitting and lack of muscle tone. Triple X syndrome females are often slightly lower in intelligence than females without the condition. Some functional and emotional impairment are also possible, but these traits vary dramatically among affected females. Acting in a cascading effect, slower learning abilities or delayed development could ultimately lead to other issues, such as academic problems and underdeveloped socialization skills, potentially causing social isolation.

    Source

    • Triple X syndrome is generally considered a non-inherited condition. The chromosomal abnormality often occurs as a random event when the egg and sperm join to form the reproductive cell. An aberrant number of chromosomes in a reproductive cell occurs as a result of an error in cell division called nondisjunction. An egg or sperm cell can acquire an extra X chromosome because of nondisjunction. If one of these cells becomes a contributor to the genetic makeup of a fetus, the resulting child will carry an extra X chromosome in each of her body's cells.

    Treatment

    • There is no cure for triple X syndrome. There is no magic bullet that will alleviate its symptoms. If treatment is required, it is usually dispensed in the form of physical therapy for underdeveloped muscles or psychological treatment for socially insecure patients.

    When to See a Doctor

    • While the condition normally goes untreated because it is undetected, take your child to the doctor if you are concerned about her developmental progress. The doctor can determine if your child suffers from triple X syndrome with an examination and a simple blood test.