Marfan Syndrome in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Marfan syndrome is a disorder that weakens your child's connective tissue. Connective tissue gives strength and support to tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and other parts of the body. Marfan syndrome keeps many of these parts of your child's body from being as strong as they should be. This can cause problems in your child's bones, eyes, heart, and blood vessels.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your child's vein that is used to give medicine or liquids.
Healthcare providers will check your vital signs.
Vital signs include blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. The providers will also ask about your pain.
Beta-blockers
help your child's heart beat softer and slower. This may prevent damage to your child's heart and aorta.
Tests:
Your child may be given contrast liquid before some of the following tests. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
- Blood tests help give healthcare providers information about how your child's body is working.
- X-ray, CT, or MRI pictures may show problems caused by Marfan syndrome. Do not let your child enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has any metal in or on his or her body.
- An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound. Sound waves are used to show the structure and function of your child's heart.
- An eye exam may include devices or lenses to check for eye problems.
RISKS:
- Without treatment, your child may develop serious vision problems, such as retinal detachment. Retinal detachment means the retina pulls away from the blood vessels in the eye. This problem could lead to blindness if it is not treated. Your child may develop lung problems, such as a collapsed lung. This condition causes chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Your child's heart valves may become weak, preventing blood from flowing into the heart. Your child's heart may not beat correctly. The walls of the aorta may also become weak and widen. This may lead to a tear, leak, or aneurysm (bulge). An aneurysm can burst and cause bleeding inside your child's body. These problems may be life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Marfan Syndrome
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Symptoms and treatments
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