MARFAN SYNDROME By: Emma Kirby and Peter

SorensonPeriod 6

Background of Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome was discovered when a French doctor had a patient with elongated fingers, toes, and limbs.

The disease was discovered about 1896. The syndrome was named after the

french doctor Antione B. Marfan.

The effects of Marfan syndrome

The connective tissue is effected including: many body systems, including skeleton, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin and lungs.

The people suffering from Marfan syndrome have long limbs and are tall and slender.

Marfan Syndrome

Treatments for Marfan Syndrome

There is no cure for Marfan syndrome Although there is no cure for Marfan

syndrome but there is medication that can help manage complications.

The life expectancy for patients with Marfan syndrome used to be around 40 years old but now has increased to around 70 years old.

Sympotoms of Marfan syndrome

Signs: Slender body shape, skinny, long legs, arms, fingers, and toes; problems with heart and blood vessels; pain in the abdomen; weakened or numb legs or body parts.

Not every patient will live as long as the life expectancy is due to how progressive the syndrome is and any other health problems they might have.

How it is passed on

Marfan syndrome is a inhertiable disease. The gene for Marfan syndrome is located

on chromosome 15. Marfan Syndrome is passed on as an

autosomal dominant disorder. Males and Females can pass it on to their

offpsring.

Fun Facts

Abraham Lincoln was suspected of having Marfan syndrome because of his slender and tall body type.

Flo Haman and Chris Patton were athletes that died from Marfan syndrome.

Chris Patton was a basketball player for the University of Maryland.

Flo Haman was the captain of the 1984 U.S. Olympic volleyball team but died as a result of an aortic dissection during a tournament,

Works Cited

WebMD. http://www.medicinenet.com. Version N/A. WebMD associated, August 8th 2012 Created. Articles. Accessed February 18th 2013

WebMD. Webmd.com. version N/A. WebMD associated, n.d., Web Article, February 18th, 2013.

n.p., angelfire.com. version 1. Angelfire associated. Web Article, February 18th, 2013