{"id":2034,"date":"2018-07-14T07:09:45","date_gmt":"2018-07-14T07:09:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=2034"},"modified":"2021-03-18T19:19:58","modified_gmt":"2021-03-18T19:19:58","slug":"8-intriguing-facts-about-marfan-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/8-intriguing-facts-about-marfan-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Intriguing Facts About Marfan Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Marfan syndrome is not something that you could catch from someone as it is a genetic disorder. This disorder affects the connective tissue of the body. The connective tissue within the body is what holds all of the organs, cells, and tissue together. In addition, it is important for helping the body to grow and to develop properly.<\/p>\n

The connective tissue is made from proteins. When a person has marfan syndrome there is a defect of the gene responsible for telling the body how to create fibrillin-1. This defect causes issues in all of the connective tissues in the body. When someone suffers from marfan syndrome it can affect any of the systems within the body. While marfan syndrome is most often handed down to children through genetics, it is possible for the disorder to develop spontaneously from new gene mutation. Here are some important facts about Marfan syndrome that everyone should know.<\/p>\n

1. Marfan Syndrome Can Affect Anyone<\/h3>\n

While marfan syndrome<\/a> is a genetic disorder, this does not mean that not anyone can be born with it. This disorder is not discriminatory. Both men and women are affected by the syndrome equally. In addition, people of all ethnic and racial demographics are equally affected by the syndrome. Since the syndrome affects the gene that is responsible for making fibrillin, there are some people who suffer from just mild symptoms of the illness that can easily be controlled.<\/p>\n

There are some people who suffer from this syndrome that will struggle with the symptoms of it on a daily basis. Someone who has marfan syndrome may experience worsening symptoms of it as they get older. This is because as we age our bodies start to decline. When you have this syndrome it can affect all aspects of the body and make symptoms worse as the body is not able to repair itself as it once was.<\/p>\n

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2. Discovered in 1896<\/h3>\n

Marfan syndrome is not something that is new to the scene. The syndrome was first noted in 1896. A gentleman named Antoine Marfan examined a young girl who had arms and legs that were incredibly long. He documented what he found out about this disease, which is why the syndrome is named for him. Marfan syndrome comes in many different forms, this includes having a body that is very long and very flexible. The syndrome can become quite dangerous.<\/p>\n

This is especially true if the connective tissues<\/a> that are in the heart are affected by the disorder. This is just one of the reasons that it is important to have regular checkups by a medical professional if you suffer from this genetic disorder. You need to make sure that the important connective tissues are not being affected by the disorder and if they are precautions need to be taken to help. <\/p>\n

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3. Tooth Pulling Can be Deadly<\/h3>\n

For most people simple dental work such as having a tooth pulled is just part of their everyday life. However, for someone that suffers from marfan syndrome, something as simple as getting a tooth pulled can end up costing them their life. The reason for this is because a person who has marfan syndrome has difficulty fighting off infections<\/a>. In fact, infections may set in extremely quickly for someone with this particular genetic disorder. This is especially true if the connective tissues surrounding the heart have been affected by the disease.<\/p>\n

A person who has marfan syndrome will often be prescribed antibiotics on a regular basis. This is because the risk of infection is so high and so dangerous for them. Even if a basic teeth cleaning is all the dental work that is being done, people with marfan syndrome may need to take antibiotics before and after the process in order to help stave off any type of infection that may occur. <\/p>\n

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4. Marfan Syndrome can be Passed by a Single Parent<\/h3>\n

When it comes to passing on marfan syndrome to a child it only takes one parent to pass on this genetic<\/a> disorder. A child that has a parent who has marfan syndrome faces a risk of 50 percent of also inheriting the disorder. In fact, roughly 75% of the reported total cases of Marfan syndrome are people who have only one parent that suffers from the syndrome.<\/p>\n

The other 25 percent of people who have been diagnosed with marfan syndrome come from a spontaneous gene mutation. The reason for this gene mutation is not known. The main gene that causes marfan syndrome was first found in 1991. While marfan syndrome is not contagious and only passed on through genetics, it is possible for a gene mutation to occur at any time during a person\u2019s life that may cause this syndrome to develop. <\/p>\n

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5. Lifestyle Changes can Lead to Long Happy Lives<\/h3>\n

The good news about marfan syndrome is that for many people who suffer from this gene disorder, it is possible to live a long and happy life. Modern medicine has come a long way in terms of helping people who suffer from this disorder. In fact, many people that are diagnosed<\/a> with marfan syndrome can easily live well into their seventies, which is the same as the majority of general population groups.<\/p>\n

Early recognition of this disease is important. Treatment for the disorder has to be proactive and stress levels on the body have to be reduced in order for this to happen. The biggest challenge for most people who have this syndrome is to accept that they may need to make some lifestyle changes in order to live a fuller and healthier life. Knowing the facts about the disease and seeking treatment options early means a longer life span for most people with marfan syndrome. <\/p>\n

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6. It Can Affect Any Area of the Body<\/h3>\n

One of the toughest things to accept about marfan disorder is that it can affect any part of the body at any time. A person who has been diagnosed with marfan syndrome may suffer from many different symptoms and pains<\/a> in different areas of the body. For some people these symptoms are mild and may worsen over time. For others, the symptoms and affected areas are more dangerous.<\/p>\n

For example, if the gene mutation affects the connective tissues of the heart or the lungs it can be quite dangerous and a person may have severe complications from the disease. The bones, eyes, and spinal cord can all be affected by the syndrome as well. A person with the syndrome may only have certain areas of the body that are affected or it may start in some areas and then move to others. This is another dangerous aspect of leaving the syndrome untreated. <\/p>\n

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7. No Cure<\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, there is no cure for those who suffer from marfan syndrome. Roughly 75 percent of those that suffer from the syndrome do so because of a gene that was passed on by one or both of their parents. However, the other 25 percent of people who are affected by marfan syndrome. Treatment<\/a> for the disorder will vary based on the severity of the disease. Beta blockers are used as a way to help manage the disorder.<\/p>\n

If the heart has been affected it often means that heart surgery will be necessary. This is because those connective tissues will need to be manually repaired in order for the person to survive. Hard exercise is not an option for those who suffer from this disease as it can put too much stress on the body. While there is no cure, there are treatments that work to help a person lead a productive life. <\/p>\n

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8. Diagnosis<\/h3>\n

In order to diagnose<\/a> someone with marfan syndrome, the ghent criteria is used. There are roughly 30 symptoms and signs that a person who has this syndrome may have. Most of these signs and symptoms will affect the skeletal, cardiovascular, and ocular systems. People who suffer from this syndrome are often above average in height. Their fingers and toes are typically longer than normal and their wrists are very weak. In addition, their limbs overall are much more slender.<\/p>\n

Some people who have marfan syndrome will develop a speech disorder. This may be because of the small jaws and the high palates that they have. One of the primary health effects of Marfan syndrome on the eyes is that the lens is not located in the normal position. Patients suffering from marfan syndrome will often be nearsighted and suffer from blurred vision quite often.<\/p>\n

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9. Cardiovascular Complications<\/h3>\n

This set of complications present the biggest threat to the health of individuals infected with Marfan Syndrome. Affected tissues surrounding the aorta<\/a>, the largest artery in the body, weaken \u2013 resulting in various dangerous situations. <\/span><\/p>\n

The most severe cardiac complication of the aorta comes from the development of an aortic aneurysm. \u00a0Marfan Syndrome affects the tissues in the wall of the aorta, forcing them to bulge as blood leaves the heart. This type of aneurysm can occur anywhere along the length of the aorta, from the upper abdominal region to the chest. If left untreated, the aneurysm can rupture, causing internal bleeding and death.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another severe complication involving the aorta is, \u201caortic dissection.\u201d With this condition, the aorta develops a tear in the innermost layer of the aorta wall. An aortic dissection allows blood to force its way between the inner and outer lining of the artery, causing severe chest pain. Should the dissection rupture, the patient may perish from severe internal bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"10. Eye Complications<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Marfan Syndrome also has a series of eye complications as well. The syndrome affects the connective and supportive tissues around and in the eye. <\/span><\/p>\n

The first and most common eye complication is lens dislocation. In this condition, the supporting tissues around the focusing lens weaken, allowing the lens to move out of place. The medical community refers to this complication as, \u201cectopia lentis,\u201d and more than 50-percent of all patients with Marfan Syndrome experience this complication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marfan Syndrome also affects the retina. The disorder affects the strength and resilience of the light-sensitive tissues that line the rear of the eye. When this area loses its support from surrounding tissues, the affected individual runs the risk of a tear or detachment in the retina.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marfan Syndrome can also cause cataracts or early-onset glaucoma<\/a>. Cataracts typically form in seniors, but young people who develop Marfan Syndrome can experience this condition in their teens. Early-onset glaucoma increases the pressure in the eye, leading to the development of tunnel vision, and eventual blindness in the affected eye. Glaucoma is another disorder that typically affects seniors over the age of 60-years, but Marfan Syndrome causes these symptoms in young people as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"11. Skeletal Complications<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Marfan Syndrome also affects the supporting tissues in the skeletal system as well. As the muscles weaken, a series of complications begin to present, with the spine<\/a> being the most affected area. <\/span><\/p>\n

Marfan Syndrome increases the chances of developing scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. As a result, the patient experiences growth abnormalities, especially if they are under the age of 21-years old. Patients may find that they start to lean in one direction, and as the condition progresses, they may experience nerve pain or loss of movement due to discs in the spine trapping nerves. <\/span><\/p>\n

Surgeons cannot operate to fix these issues, as the weakened supporting tissues no longer provide any support, as the patient is most likely to develop nerve pinching in other areas as well. Problems with the supporting muscles in the spine may also end up affecting the feet and lower back, resulting in pain symptoms. Marfan syndrome also affects the development of the ribs, causing abnormalities in the breastbone. The Syndrome causes a sunken or protruding effect on the sternum.<\/span><\/p>\n

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12. Pregnancy Complications<\/h3>\n

One of the more severe complications involving Marfan Syndrome affects pregnant women. During pregnancy, blood pressure increases as the heart increase circulation to account for the growth of the fetus in the womb. <\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, the expectant mother runs the risk of developing issues with the aorta. As we discussed, the two life-threatening conditions, aortic dissection, and aortic aneurysm<\/a> are severe and require immediate medical intervention to save the life of the patient. Due to the increase in blood pressure, pregnant mothers risk exposure to a faster rate of aneurysm growth, as wells as an acceleration in symptoms of tearing in the wall of the artery. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnant women often experience pain due to gastrointestinal reflux after eating. However, the pain symptoms from aorta complications related to Marfan Syndrome are entirely different. You will notice a sharp, piercing pain deep in the chest. If you have Marfan Syndrome and feel this pain, have someone drive you to the emergency room immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"13. Support and Coping Strategies<\/h3>\n

Living with severe genetic disorders like Marfan Syndrome can dramatically reduce the quality of life for both children and adults. People afflicted by the syndrome may lose their mobility and sight, and they run the risk of developing chronic, dangerous conditions like the cardiac complications discussed earlier. <\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, many people with Marfan Syndrome develop depression and anxiety<\/a> disorders due to their instability in life. The mental stress placed on a person dealing with the disease leaves them in a constant state of uncertainty. <\/span><\/p>\n

People with Marfan syndrome require support from family and friends to help them cope with the challenges the condition presents. Being able to rely on a support group makes a huge difference to the mental health of the affected individual. <\/span><\/p>\n

The effects of the disease on children and teens is devastating for their parents to watch as well. As the disorder progresses, the family may want to consider family counseling sessions, where a trained professional can assist the family in bringing all of their bottled emotions to the surface, giving them the chance to sort out their problems in a safe space.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"14. Surgical Procedures <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Depending on the severity of symptoms, and the stage of the disease, some doctors may decide its worthwhile to operate on the afflicted tissues and organs affected by Marfan Syndrome. <\/span><\/p>\n

Surgery is an absolute necessity to avoid aortic rupture from cardiac complications. When the diameter of the aorta exceeds 2-inches, your surgeon will operate and replace the part of the damaged aorta with synthetic materials that allow for the normal function of the artery. In some cases, the surgeon may have to replace the aortic valve as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Children dealing with the spinal effects of Marfan Syndrome require a back brace to hold the spine in place while standing and moving during the day. In rare cases, a surgeon may attempt to operate on the spine<\/a> if necessary. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are surgical procedures available to correct the growth of the breastbone, but doctors may only recommend this option if the condition is causing breathing complications or pain symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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