Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, Partial

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, Partial is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Gilbert-Dreyfus Syndrome
Incomplete Testicular Feminization
Lubs Syndrome
Rosewater Syndrome
Type I Familial Incomplete Male Pseudohermaphroditism
Reifenstein Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Androgen insensitivity refers to an inability of the body to respond properly to male sex hormones (androgens) produced during pregnancy. This occurs because of a change (mutation) in a gene involved in the production of the protein inside cells that receives the androgen hormone and instructs the cell in how to use it.

Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (pais) is part of a spectrum of syndromes that also includes androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) and mild androgen insensitivity syndrome (mais). In each case, the development of the reproductive and genital organs of the fetus is affected, as a result of the gene mutation.

During the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, the external anatomy of male and female embryos appears to be identical. The presence or absence of the male sex hormone testosterone determines whether male or female genitalia develop. In partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, the development of the external genitals will be intermediate between male and female (ambiguous genitalia).

Each of these forms of AIS is also a hereditary form of male pseudohermaphroditism, in which the baby is born with testes and possesses both male and female characteristics. The disorder is inherited as an X-linked, recessive trait.

Resources

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome Support Group (AISSG)
P.O. Box 2148
Duncan, OK 73534-2148
USA
Email: aissgusa@hotmail.com
Internet: http://www.aissgusa.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 1/12/2005
Copyright 1991, 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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