Marfan Syndrome
FACTS:
What the syndrome is:
Marfan Syndrome is caused by a defect or mutation in the gene that dtermines the structure of fibrillin-a protien that is an important part of connective tissue.
Flat arches.
Aortic Aneurysm
Where the artery leaving the heart enlarges and can rupture.
Elongated fingers and arm bones.
Symptons:
Some people have only mild symptons while others are more severe. They are:Tall,slender,loose jointed, get stretch marks,snoring,flat feet,crowded teeth, and a thin narrow face.
Facts:
More than 200,000 people are affected by the syndrome. You can pass on this syndrome to your kids. Marfan syndrome is a heredity condition affecting the connective tissue system. Testing for Marfan during pregnancy is not accurate.
Can it be cured?
No marfan syndrome can not be cured but you can treat it. You can treat the back problems by wearing a brace and the heart problems with Beta blockers which are drugs that treat, heart failure, migraines, high blood pressure, anxiety and many other symptoms.
What you will need to have or do if you have this Syndrome:
Most kids will need echocardiograms about once a year. Plus frequant eye and bone exams. This helps doctors stay on top of new problems. Some kids might need glasses. They also need frequent doctor check ups to make sure they are doing well. They can do activities like sports but they need to make sure that they are careful because they are prone to injury.
Can anybody be a candidate for Marfan syndrome?
Doctors diagnose this syndrome using information from family members who had it or someone who had an early unexplained heart related death. They also take a skeletal examination of you. Thus the answer is no everybody is not a candidate without family history.