KF-Xtra is a one-stop multi-disciplinary clinic for boys and men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS).
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is a common congenital condition affecting boys and men. It occurs in 1 in 500 live male births. KS is caused by the presence of additional sex chromosomes. The diagnosis can be made with a blood test to assess the sex chromosomes (karyotype). Instead of the male ‘XY’ and female have ‘XX’ sex chromosomes, those with KS have an extra ‘X’, commonly resulting in an ‘XXY’ karyotype. Early diagnosis and intervention improves outcomes but the vast majority of affected individuals remain undiagnosed.
Those affected may suffer from a range of health condition throughout life with a variable spectrum of severity (see below).
Traditional NHS care for KS has predominately focused on the medical aspects of the condition (testosterone replacement and bone health) with a more recent interest in fertility potential. Little or no provision has been available for psychosocial support and ‘life-skills’ training which are critical. In response to feedback from patients and families we have set-up the KF-Xtra clinic in an attempt to address all of these needs in an integrated fashion.
Patient contact
Service management
James Webb
Address
KF-Xtra Clinic
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing
1st floor podium outpatients, Clinic F (Adult & psychology), Lower Ground Floor, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing (Fertility, Paediatrics and transition) 235 Euston Rd, Bloomsbury, London NW1 2BU
Other referral information
Paediatric enquiries
Tel: 020 3447 9455
Fax: 020 3447 9064
E-mail: naomi.andrews2@nhs.net
Andrology enquiries
Tel: 020 3447 9280
Fax: 020 3456 4901
jasmine.john-baptiste1@nhs.net
mariya.ostrovska@nhs.net
Fertility Laboratory
Tel: 020 3447 9436
General queries: uclh.fertility@nhs.net
Fertility lab: uclh.fertilitylab@nhs.net
Dr Jennie Faithfull
Honorary Psychologist
Endocrinology
University College Hospital
3rd Floor Central Wing
250 Euston Road
London NW1 2PG
Email: jennie.faithfull@nhs.net
020 3447 9101
Referral address
Endocrinology
University College Hospital
3rd Floor Central Wing
250 Euston Road
London, NW1 2PG
- To provide holistic, age-specific, individualised care for boys and men with Kinefelter syndrome
- To support families
- To promote education and research in Klinefelter syndrome
- Currently runs 6 times a year (second Monday, alternate months starting January 2020)
- Paediatric and transition - Prof Butler/Dr Srirangalingam (am clinic - Lower Ground Floor, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
- Adult – Dr Srirangalingam (pm clinic – Clinic F, Outpatient department, 1st floor podium, Main hospital)
- Fertility – Ms Sangster (pm clinic – Reproductive medicine unit, Lower Ground Floor, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
- Psychosocial / life-skills assessment, support and training – Dr Faithfull (pm clinic – Outpatient department, 1st Floor podium, Main Hospital; also by appointment)
- Due to time constraints in the clinic, the psychosocial/‘life-skills’ input may be delivered at separate times (by appointment) individually or in small-group sessions.
- Developmental delay
- Learning difficulties
- Anxiety, depression and low self-esteem
- Tall stature
- Primary gonadal failure (low testosterone)
- Infertility
- Gynaecomastia (breast enlargement)
- Osteoporosis (fragile bones)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Breast cancer
Dr Jennie Faithfull, Psychologist
Dr Faithfull is a psychologist with a specialist interest in Klinefelter Syndrome. She has an MSc in Lifespan Neuropsychology. She has a clinical and research interest in Klinefelter Syndrome and was awarded a PhD for work on the significance of diagnosis in Klinefelter Syndrome. At UCLH she holds an Honorary Psychologist post, and her practice encompasses a specific interest in Klinefelter Syndrome, leading her to set-up KF-Xtra, the multidisciplinary clinic for the holistic management of Klinefelter Syndrome with Dr Srirangalingam in 2019.
She has held academic posts in research and teaching at Bournemouth University. She has worked with groups of young people and students in schools and higher education with complex profiles, supporting them with novel and bespoke programmes of educational and holistic support.
