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Recent advances in Marfan syndrome treatment have prolonged the life expectancy of patients considerably. Changes in how the syndrome is treated, including medication, surgical interventions, and monitoring for complications of the syndrome (eg, aneurysms), are all responsible for the increase in life expectancy. The prolongation in life expectancy can be seen by taking a look at statistics from 1972, in which the life expectancy was 32 years, and from 1996, where patients with Marfan syndrome had a life expectancy of 61 years.
With proper treatment (medications, regular checks of the aorta, preventative surgery), a person with Marfan syndrome has an average life expectancy into their mid 70s. If a person does not know they have the diagnosis or does not do proper care, the life expectancy can be the 40s. This is why proper diagnosis is key!
Marfan syndrome can result in sudden death due to increased risk for aortic dissection or aneurysm when undiagnosed or untreated. If diagnosed and managed early, patients can have a normal life expectancy.
They cant exercise as vigorously as someone without Marfan syndrome
Marfan syndrome shows up at birth.
Yes, Marfan syndrome does affect the life span of a human. It is shown that their life span is cut on average by one third.
By being a homosexual!
People with Angelman Syndrome often live the average life expectancy of their gender.
The most important single factor in improving the patient's prognosis is early diagnosis. The earlier that a patient can benefit from the new techniques and lifestyle modifications, the more likely he or she is to have a longer life expectancy.
Everyday life for someone who has Marfan syndrome is not too bad. They may be self conscious about how they look and have trouble learning new things but they can function as a normal human being in everyday life.
No, it's not terminal in itself, but if the heart and aorta are not monitored properly, then there is a chance of sudden death by aortic dissection (the aorta tearing). So, it is definitely life-threatining. Therefore, someone with Marfan syndrome needs an echocardiogram, MRI, CT scan, or TEE of their entire aorta at least once a year to check for aneurysms and monitor their growth. If the aorta is growing rapidly or the valves are leaking a lot, more frequent monitoring is advised. Taking a medication to lower the blood pressure, like beta blockers. Preventative aortic surgery also extends the life expectancy. With proper monitoring, people with Marfan syndrome have an average lfe expectancy.
Although the visual problems that are related to Marfan syndrome are rarely life-threatening, they are important in that they may be the patient's first indication of the disorder.