Challenges of disorders of sex development: diverse perceptions across stakeholders

Parents of Children with Newly Diagnosed Disorders of Sex Development Identify Major Concerns: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVES

To develop a conceptual framework to understand and define the impact of DSD diagnosis and management from the perspective of parents of recently diagnosed children.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children diagnosed with 46 XX, 46 XY, or chromosomal DSD including complete or partial androgen insensitivity, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or 5-alpha reductase deficiency. Analysis was completed using content analysis with an inductive approach by three coders.

RESULTS

Parents of six patients agreed to be interviewed, consistent with saturation points for prior similar studies; a total of 16 recurring themes were identified which were further grouped by similarity and categorized into one of three meta-themes: a) personal impact (effect of diagnosis on parents psyche, happiness, gender/sexual identity, anatomic function, mental health), b) family impact (relationships with parents/siblings, parental guilt); and c) societal impact (bullying, need for secrecy, future desirability, societal openness to DSD individuals).

CONCLUSIONS

Personal, family, and societal concerns amongst parents following a DSD diagnosis have significant potential psychosocial impacts for both parents as well children. The nexus between these categories provides a framework for approaching diagnosis and management of DSD and has implications for patients, families, and clinicians. Improved resource allocation, education, and clinical tools conceived through this framework may considerably alleviate potent psychosocial stressors for parents of children born with DSD.

A national study on the physical and mental health of intersex adults in the U.S

Objectives

To describe the health of intersex adults (people with differences of sex development) in the U.S. using community-based research methods.

Methods

In July–September 2018, we conducted a national health study of intersex adults aged 18 and older in the U.S., using a survey hosted on Qualtrics. The study describes the physical and mental health experiences of intersex adults, including differences by age (18 to 39 vs. 40 and older). Questions were derived from national (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) and intersex-related health studies.

Results

A non-probability sample of 198 intersex adults completed the survey over three months. Over 43% of participants rated their physical health as fair/poor and 53% reported fair/poor mental health. Prevalent health diagnoses included depression, anxiety, arthritis, and hypertension, with significant differences by age. Nearly a third reported difficulty with everyday tasks and over half reported serious difficulties with cognitive tasks.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first national study of intersex adults in the U.S. Greater understanding of intersex health over the life course is essential. Findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies and further examination of potential health disparities experienced by intersex populations.

Community perspectives on difference of sex development (DSD) diagnoses: A crowdsourced survey

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Differences of sex development (DSD) engender ethical, social and psychosexual complexities that can complicate medical decision-making. We performed a web-based pilot study to estimate the utility value of a DSD diagnosis and to identify community concerns regarding DSD management.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was posted on Amazon's Mechanical Turk, an online crowdsourcing platform. Respondents were ≥18y and were randomized to receive information on one of three common DSD conditions: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis (MGD), and Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (PAIS). Time trade-off methodology was used to estimate utility values. Likert scale and statement-ranking questions were used to assess respondent perceptions.

RESULTS

Of 1,628 respondents, median age was 34y; most respondents were parents (59.1%), white (77.1%), and previously unfamiliar with DSD (60.4%). The median overall utility value was 0.70 (IQR 0.50-0.90), similar to moderately severe chronic health conditions. Utility estimates varied based on the DSD scenario presented (0.80 CAH vs. 0.70 MGD vs. 0.80 PAIS, p = 0.0006), respondent gender (p < 0.0001), race (p = 0.002), religion (p = 0.005), and prior knowledge of DSD (p < 0.0001). Reported concerns included gender identity (23.4%), urinary function (20.5%) and surgical complications (17.4%). Most (67.5%) supported early surgical intervention at 6-18 mo; 10.4% thought surgery should occur ≥18 y.

COMMENT

Limitations of this study include that survey participants were aware of the nature of the study, thus some respondents may have participated to skew the results. Given the nature of this pilot study, the representation of families with children with DSD within the study is severely limited given the rarity of DSDs. This means that their opinions may be diluted by the large sample size. However, because utility values are classically estimated according to community opinions, the utility data presented should be taken to reflect that of the specific sample studied and is not reflective of that of families with a vested interest in such cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Community-based respondents perceived that DSD conditions were associated with a reduction in utility values (0.70-0.80), on par with moderately severe chronic health conditions. Estimates varied based on respondents' gender, race, religion and prior knowledge of DSD. Gender identity was the most concerning aspect for respondents.

Prenatal detection and evaluation of differences of sex development

INTRODUCTION

Differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) can be detected at different ages, including prenatally. The recent implementation of prenatal genetic testing (including cell-free DNA) may affect the frequency and impact of prenatal diagnosis of DSD. Our aims were to (1) describe prenatal detection and evaluation of differences of sex development presenting to a multidisciplinary DSD clinic and (2) explore possible parental distress accompanying this evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of mothers presenting prenatally, and patients presenting during infancy, to a multidisciplinary DSD clinic from 2013 to 2017 was conducted. Data extracted included demographics, final diagnoses, prenatal screening, prenatal evaluation, postnatal endocrine, genetic and radiologic testing, and clinician's notes on parent/patient distress.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients were identified; ten (15%) had prenatal detection of a suspected DSD. Of those, 4/10 were detected prenatally in the last study year alone. Within the prenatal group, 6/10 had cell-free DNA results discordant with ultrasound, 2/10 were detected by atypical genitalia on ultrasound, and 2/10 were detected through karyotyping performed for other indications. After birth, 3/10 patients were found to not have a DSD. Final diagnoses for the full study cohort are shown in the Summary Table, comparing prenatal versus postnatal presentation to our DSD clinic. Clinicians noted distress for most parents during the prenatal evaluation of a possible DSD, including one mother who reported suicidal thoughts.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal suspicion of DSD can occur through discordant prenatal testing and has been observed at our clinic in recent years, in line with other recent studies. Contributing factors to these prenatal presentations could be increased referrals to the clinic, and increased use of non-invasive prenatal testing, which can lead to inaccurate or discordant sex identification. The prenatal suspicion of a potential DSD can be associated with parental distress, underscoring the need for adequate counseling for tests that determine fetal sex, including cell-free DNA.

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.

Global Application of the Assessment of Communication Skills of Paediatric Endocrinology Fellows in the Management of Differences in Sex Development Using the ESPE E-Learning.Org Portal

BACKGROUND

Information sharing in chronic conditions such as disorders of/differences in sex development (DSD) is essential for a comprehensive understanding by parents and patients. We report on a qualitative analysis of communication skills of fellows undergoing training in paediatric endocrinology. Guidelines are created for the assessment of communication between health professionals and individuals with DSD and their parents.

METHODS

Paediatric endocrinology fellows worldwide were invited to study two interactive online cases (www.espe-elearning.org) and to describe a best practice communication with (i) the parents of a newborn with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and (ii) a young woman with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. The replies were analysed regarding completeness, quality, and evidence of empathy. Guidelines for structured assessment of responses were developed by 22 senior paediatric endocrinologists worldwide who assessed 10 selected replies. Consensus of assessors was established and the evaluation guidelines were created.

RESULTS

The replies of the fellows showed considerable variation in completeness, quality of wording, and evidence of empathy. Many relevant aspects of competent clinical communication were not mentioned; 15% (case 1) and 17% (case 2) of the replies were considered poor/insufficient. There was also marked variation between 17 senior experts in the application of the guidelines to assess communication skills. The guidelines were then adjusted to a 3-level assessment with empathy as a separate key item to better reflect the qualitative differences in the replies and for simplicity of use by evaluators.

CONCLUSIONS

E-learning can play an important role in assessing communication skills. A practical tool is provided to assess how information is shared with patients with DSD and their families and should be refined by all stakeholders, notably interdisciplinary health professionals and patient representatives.

Development of Health-Related Quality of Life Instruments for Young Children With Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) and Their Parents

Objective

Research in disorders of sex development (DSD) is hindered by a lack of standardized measures sensitive to the experiences of affected children and families. We developed and evaluated parent proxy (children 2-6 years) and parent self-report (children ≤6 years) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments for DSD.

Methods

Items were derived from focus groups and open-ended interviews. Clarity and comprehensiveness were assessed with cognitive interviews. Psychometric properties were examined in a field survey of 94 families.

Results

Measures demonstrated adequate to good psychometrics, including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and ability to detect known-group differences. Parents reported greatest stress on Early Experiences , Surgery , and Future Concerns scales.

Conclusions

These instruments identify patients' and families' needs, monitor health and quality of life status, and can evaluate clinical interventions. Findings highlight the need for improved psychosocial support during the diagnostic period, better parent-provider communication, and shared decision-making. HRQoL measures are needed for older youth.

Development of a strategy of physician-patient relationship for improving care for patients with disorders of sex development: a qualitative study

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Care for patients with disorders of sex development (DSD) should be provided in integrated-care centers by a multidisciplinary team. Implementation of this project within the teaching clinic routine presents several challenges: 1) difficulties in relationships between the medical team and patients and their families; 2) age, ethnic and cultural differences; 3) DSD-related prejudice; and 4) physicians' anxiety. We report on a psychologist's work strategy that focused on creating arrangements that could contribute towards development of the relationship between the medical team and patients and their families, as a way of preparing the clinical staff to manage treatment of adult DSD patients.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective qualitative study.

METHODS

Between February 2010 and April 2015, we conducted a qualitative study in the Adrenal Outpatient Clinic of Escola Paulista de Medicina (São Paulo, Brazil), based on interviews, team discussions and group dynamics with resident physicians, postgraduate students and attending physicians.

RESULTS

Implementation of the project allowed residents to build a story of differentiated care for their patients, thus facilitating dialog between them and making it possible to address taboo topics. Sequential care provided by the same resident led patients to feel that their doctor cared for them, with individuality, continuity and a sense of interest in their story.

CONCLUSION

Presence of a psychologist in the outpatient routine enabled inclusion of subjective factors in the routine of medical consultations, thus broadening the notion of healthcare for patients with DSD, facilitating bonds and providing support for difficulties faced.

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 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.

Multidisciplinary care for individuals with disorders of sex development

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recommendations regarding the care of individuals with disorders of sex development include that care be provided by multidisciplinary teams. This article will discuss team composition and function as well as the role of the gynecologist and barriers to such care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many barriers to multidisciplinary care exist, but recent reports stress the roles of different team members as well as tools for planning and implementation of such a team that may help to overcome such barriers. All current recommendations include the participation of a gynecologist in the disorders of sex development team. Gynecologists are in the unique position to continue to provide care as these individuals mature into adulthood.

SUMMARY

Multidisciplinary care for patients with disorders of sex development is recommended and gynecologists provide unique expertise.

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.

Gender Development in 46,XY DSD: Influences of Chromosomes, Hormones, and Interactions with Parents and Healthcare Professionals

Variables that impact gender development in humans are difficult to evaluate. This difficulty exists because it is not usually possible to tease apart biological influences on gender from social variables. People with disorders of sex development, or DSD, provide important opportunities to study gender within individuals for whom biologic components of sex can be discordant with social components of gender. While most studies of gender development in people with 46,XY DSD have historically emphasized the importance of genes and hormones on gender identity and gender role, more recent evidence for a significant role for socialization exists and is considered here. For example, the influence of parents' perceptions of, and reactions to, DSD are considered. Additionally, the impact of treatments for DSD such as receiving gonadal surgeries or genitoplasty to reduce genital ambiguity on the psychological development of people with 46,XY DSD is presented. Finally, the role of multi-disciplinary care including access to peer support for advancing medical, surgical and psychosexual outcomes of children and adults with 46,XY DSD, regardless of sex of rearing, is discussed.