SUN-038 Social and Psychological Aspects of Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, Therapeutic Challenges

Background: Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (PAIS) is a rare congenital condition with incongruence of chromosomal, gonadal and phenotypic sex and classified as differences of sex development. Distinct from complete Androgen Insensitivity by the presence of ambiguous genitals in a 46, XY individual with normal testis development and partial responsiveness to androgens. Clinical Case: 18 years phenotypic female presented with primary amenorrhea and ambiguous genitalia with poor secondary sexual characteristics after puberty. Born out of a consanguineous marriage, normal vaginal delivery conducted by midwife at home in a small village, who informed a female with ambiguous genital though. Since childhood she uses to dress up in female attire. She has 5 siblings, two brothers and three sisters, one year back she got engaged to her distant cousin and was about to get married when one of her younger sister now 8 years having similar problem alarmed family to report before the wedlock.Vitals:Weight 55kg,Height 167cm,Physical, biochemical, chromosomal testing and imaging revealed:micropenis 3cm(N=8cm) with hypospadias, a small blind vaginal orifice, hormones within normal male ranges, Karyotype: XY, MRI revealed no female internal organs or prostate gland, left testis seen in partly formed scrotal sac (4.6x2.5cm) right in superficial inguinal region (2.7x1.9cm),normal testes size(4x3cm), bilateral cavernous tissue,respectively. Findings suggested phenotypic female with PAIS. Further investigations could not be carried out due to poor affordability and non-availability of Genetic testing facility. Management: Male gender was preferred (after discussion with urologist and consent of the patient and the family) Assigning the gender, health-related quality of life (QoL), social and psychological well-being, and affective disorders, like fertility and sexual functions in PAIS were discussed. Psychometric data was obtained through psychological questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory & Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale revealed moderate depression. An important pre-decision analysis regarding the potential impact of clinical decisions such as the type and timing of genital surgeries on patient’s life is missing due to absence of a multidisciplinary team for counseling and decision making. Conclusion: After spending 18.yrs as a phenotypic female the patient and her family experienced considerable emotional distress. In our culture and society these types of cases are seldom reported. We as medical professionals need to be sensitive to the social and psychological wellbeing of patients so that they can be settled and acceptable in their part of the world.