What does Marfan syndrome affect?

What does Marfan syndrome affect?

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue — the fibers that support and anchor your organs and other structures in your body. Marfan syndrome most commonly affects the heart, eyes, blood vessels and skeleton.

How does Marfan syndrome affect life expectancy?

The mean life expectancy for untreated patients with Marfan syndrome is 32 years with aortic dissection, aortic rupture or cardiac failure due to mitral and aortic valve regurgitation as the predominant cause of death in > 90% of the cases.

Does Marfan syndrome run in families?

Marfan syndrome is hereditary, which means it can be passed to a child from a parent who’s affected. In around three-quarters (75%) of cases, Marfan syndrome is inherited from 1 parent. The syndrome is autosomal dominant, which means a child can inherit it even if only 1 parent has the syndrome.

How is the family of a person with Marfan syndrome affected?

In about 3 out of 4 cases, the gene is inherited from a parent who is affected. Each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of having the disorder (autosomal dominant inheritance). In about 1 out of 4 cases, the abnormal gene is from a new mutation. It is not inherited from a parent.

Do all people with Marfan syndrome have heart problems?

Even though heart and blood vessel problems affect about 9 out of every 10 people diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, there is good news. If you get diagnosed, you have a lot of options, including having surgery, taking medications and changing your physical activities.

Is Marfan syndrome fatal?

How often is the condition fatal? Marfan’s disease used to always be fatal—a person wouldn’t normally live past the age of 45. Today, with aggressive treatment, people can live well beyond that. One of the difficulties is that in patients with Marfan’s disease you tend to chase the aorta.

Is Marfan a disability?

If you are suffering from a severe case of Marfan syndrome and it has made you unable to work, you may be eligible to Social Security disability benefits. While people from all around the world, of all races and genders, can suffer from Marfan syndrome, the symptoms of the condition have a tendency to worsen with age.

How do people with Marfan syndrome live?

To protect their hearts, people with Marfan syndrome must limit contact sports and strenuous activity, as well as how much they lift, because lifting can strain the aorta. Most of us shouldn’t lift more than 20 pounds. Women are especially at risk for an enlarged aorta during pregnancy and a torn aorta during labor.

Does Marfan cause pain?

Skeletal problems that develop as a result of Marfan syndrome can sometimes cause significant pain and discomfort. They may also affect your appearance, which some people find affects their confidence and self-esteem.

What limitations does someone with Marfan syndrome have?

Marfan syndrome can damage the blood vessels, heart, eyes, skin, lungs, and the bones of the hips, spine, feet, and rib cage. Some complications of Marfan syndrome can be treated or prevented, including heart disease, bone deformities such as a curved spine, eye conditions, crooked teeth, and collapsed lungs.

Does Marfan syndrome cause fatigue?

Marfan patients have a high level of fatigue and orthostatic complaints when compared to the general population. Fatigue and orthostatic tolerance are significantly correlated.

Does Marfan syndrome make you tired?

What is the life expectancy for people with Marfan syndrome?

The cardiac complications, particularly aortic dilatation, dissection and rupture and involvement of the aortic and mitral valves, lead to a greatly reduced life expectancy. This poor survival was demonstrated in a series of 257 patients with the Marfan syndrome. The average age at death for the 72 deceased patients was 32 years.

What is the prognosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS)?

One in 10 patients may have a high risk of death with this syndrome due to heart problems. Despite the high risk for Marfan related cardiovascular problems, the average life expectancy of those with Marfan syndrome is nearly 70 years. The life expectancy in this syndrome has increased to greater than 25% since 1972.

What does Marfan syndrome do?

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disease that affects the body’s connective tissue, which provides the strength, support, and elasticity to tendons, cartilage, heart valves, blood vessels, and other vital parts of the body.

When is Marfan syndrome detected?

Amniocentesis can also be used to test for Marfan syndrome. The test is carried out about 16 to 18 weeks into the pregnancy and involves taking a small sample of amniotic fluid for examination. Amniotic fluid surrounds the unborn baby in the womb.