Marfan Syndrome in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
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.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has severe pain in his or her chest or abdomen.
- Your child has sudden shortness of breath.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your child has pain in his or her and has trouble seeing all of a sudden.
- Your child cannot control his or her urine or bowel movements.
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child has pain in his or her hips and has problems walking.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
- Beta-blockers help your child's heart beat softer and slower. This may prevent damage to your child's heart and aorta. The aorta is the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart and lungs to the body.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
For more information:
- National Marfan Foundation
22 Manhasset Avenue
Port Washington , NY 11050
Phone: 1- 516 - 883-8712
Phone: 1- 800 - 862-7326
Web Address: www.marfan.org
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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.
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