Marfan's Syndrome
Structural protein coding genes contain mutation
Affects connective tissue, mutation in collagen formation
Changes in the skeleton, eye and cardiovascular
Prevalence is 1 in 10000 to 20000
Approximately 70-85% autosomal dominance inheritance, remainder due to sporadic new mutation
Complicating factors due to variable expressivity and severity of one generation not related to the severity of next generation
Defect in extracellular glycoprotein - fibrillin,
Fibrillin major component of microfibersfound in extracellular matrix. Forms scaffolding on which troppoelastin deposits and will form elastic fibers
Microfibers mainly in aorta, ligaments and ciliary zonules of lens
2 forms of fibrillin
FBN 1 Marfan's Syndrome
FBN 2 congenital contractual arachnodactyly (skeletal abnormality)
Dominant negative - heterozygous mutant disrupts normal FBN 1
FBN 1 maintains structural integrity
Symptoms:
tall stature; largely due to lower segment of body
long extremities
lax joints/double jointed
long headed (dolichocephalic)
flat feet
long fingers and thumbs
prominent shoulder blades
spinal deformities (kyphosis, scoliosis, slipping of dorsal/lumbar vertebrae
pectus excavatum
pigeon breast deformity
occular changes - bilateral sublaxation or dislocation of the lens(ectopia lentis), detached retina
dislocated eye lens, myopic(near sighted)
cardiovascular lesion
mitral valve prolapse
dilation of ascending aorta owing to cystic medionecrosis
loss of medial support results ins in progressive dilation of aortic valve, severe aortic incompetence
aortic dissection
rupture of aortic wall may cause death in 30-45%
floppy valve due to loss of connective tissue support
irregular heart rhythm
Ways to diagnose:
Marfan is difficult to diagnose because there is not a specific test for the disorder.  However, certain tests are useful in diagnosing the ailment:
Echocardiogram (sound wave picture of the heart)
X-rays
Slit-lamp eye examination
Skeletal examination
Complete family history
Ways to Treat Marfan's Syndrome:
Every person with Marfan Syndrome should have regular echocardiograms to check the size and function;of the heart and aorta.
A careful eye examination using a slit lamp to detect lens dislocation is recommended.
Glasses may be prescribed to correct visual defects.
Careful monitoring of the skeleton, particularly during childhood and adolescence, is necessary.
Beta blocker medications may be prescribed to lower blood pressure, to reduce stress to the aorta.
Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of infection in people with mitral valve prolapse.
Adapted lifestyles, such as avoiding contact sports or strenuous exercise, to reduce the risk of injury to the aorta.
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