Marfan Syndrome
Marfan syndrom is a condition that usually affects the connective tissue in a human body. Marfan Syndrom usually affects anywhere from 1 in 10,000 or 20,000 people in all races, ethnic backgrounds.
People with Marfan Syndrome have symtoms that progress with age. They are usually very tall and thin. Their arms legs and fingers and toes often seem to not fit their body because they are so long and skinny.Their spine may be curved and their chest may stick out or be indented. Their bones are weak and dislocate easily. They also usually have a long and narrow face and their roof of their mouth may be higher than a normal persons causing their teeth to become crowded and close together.
In most of the cases of Marfan syndrome the disease is inherited or autosomal dominant. They usually have a 50% chance of passing it on to their children. The syndrome is caused by a defect in the gene that encodes the structure of fibrillin and the elastic fibers which is a major component in the connective tissue ( the name of the gene is called fibrillin-1 or FBN1.)
The syndrome is usually diagnosed by doing eye, heart, blood vessel, spine, and skeletal system checks on the patient.
Marfan syndrome can be treated but it all depends on the patient. Some patients may need just a regular check- up with the doctor but some may need surgeries and intense medication for their symtoms.
Many doctors and scientists are doing gene testing to help prevent and control Marfan Syndrome.
(the above link is where all this information came from)
(the above link is a video on Marfan Syndrom)
