1. Marfan Syndrome

2. What is Marfan
Syndrome?
a disorder of connective tissue, the tissue that
strengthens the body's structures
named after Antoine Marfan, the French doctor who
first noticed the disorder in 1896
affect the skeletal system (bones), cardiovascular
system- heart, eyes, and skin.

3. Genetics
caused by defects in a gene called fibrillin-1
causes too much growth of the long bones of the body.
About 75% of the time, the gene for Marfan syndrome runs
in families, getting passed down to children from parents
who have the disease.
A child born to a parent who has Marfan syndrome has a
50% chance of having the disease too
No cure

4. Symptoms
People who have Marfan syndrome have very specific
symptoms that usually happen together. When these
symptoms show up as a group, it tells doctors that a
person might have the Marfans.
Marfan syndrome can affect the skin and lungs. These
symptoms are less common and less serious,
especially in kids and teens

5. Symptoms
Flat feet
Small lower jaw
tall with long, thin arms and legs and spider-like
fingers
A chest that sinks in or sticks out
Learning disability
Joints that are too flexible

7. Diagnosis
4 Types of doctors
geneticist (a doctor who specializes in disorders of the
genes), a cardiologist (heart doctor), an
ophthalmologist (eye doctor), and an orthopedist
(bone doctor)
A geneticist will ask if anyone in the family had the
same symptoms and may even ask if anyone in your
family died early of a heart-related death.

8. Who gets marfan
syndrome
Men and woman and children can have marfan
syndrome. It is found in people of all races.

9. Treatment
Skeleton (Bones):
Getting a yearly exam of
the spine and breastbone
Using a back brace or
Heart and blood vessels
having surgery for severe
problems.. Getting regular
checkups
Lungs
Not smoking Wearing a medical alert
Seeing a doctor if you have bracelet
any problems with
breathing during sleep

10. FACTS
Abraham Lincoln suffered from Marfan Syndrome
February is Marfan Syndrome’s awareness month.
People with Marfan shouldn’t do lots of running or
physical contact.

11. Marfan Syndrome
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab_B0lZqq6M&sa
fe=active