Investigation of COVID-19 infection in subjects with Klinefelter syndrome

J Endocrinol Invest. 2022 May;45(5):1065-1069. doi: 10.1007/s40618-021-01727-w. Epub 2022 Jan 22.

Abstract

Purpose: COVID-19 has worse clinical outcomes in males compared with females and testosterone may determine gender differences. Hypogonadism and supernumerary X chromosome may have a role in the SARS-CoV-2 infection in Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Aim of the study was evaluating COVID-19 frequency and severity in KS.

Methods: Participants were invited to complete a retrospective self-administered questionnaire containing multiple choice and open-ended answers.

Results: COVID-19 was detected in 10% of the evaluated KS subjects; none was hospitalized. 44.4% of COVID-19 patients had one cohabitant-infected versus 3% of non-infected (p < 0.01). Testosterone levels in infected patients were lower compared to those of non-infected subjects (3.1 ± 1.2 ng/ml vs. 5.2 ± 2 ng/ml, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection among KS subjects was 10%. All infected patients showed mild symptoms. The presence of one affected cohabitant significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. An association between SARS-CoV-2 and hypogonadism was confirmed.

Keywords: COVID-19; Gender; Klinefelter syndrome; SARS-CoV-2; Sex differences.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism* / complications
  • Hypogonadism* / diagnosis
  • Hypogonadism* / epidemiology
  • Klinefelter Syndrome* / complications
  • Klinefelter Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Klinefelter Syndrome* / genetics
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Testosterone

Substances

  • Testosterone