How to Identify Symptoms of Marfan Syndrome

Marfan Syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body. These connective tissues may be tendons, ligaments and valves found in joints, the heart and blood vessels and other organs. Nearly 85% of individuals who are diagnosed with the syndrome have inherited it, and it may affect individuals in different ways, depending on the severity and the overall condition and age of the person diagnosed with it. The condition is generally diagnosed at birth, and while the exact causes of the disease are unknown at present, it affects mostly newborns. The condition involves the musculoskeletal, endocrine and metabolic systems of the body. Learning to identify the symptoms of Marfan Syndrome may lead to prompt treatment and prevent complications of the aorta and cardiovascular system that can be life threatenening.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at your child's fingers, hands and arms. Most people afflicted with Marfan Syndrome have unusually long arms, fingers and legs. Tall and thin, these individuals may also be "double jointed" or experience joint looseness or weakness. In many cases, actual signs or symptoms of the condition won't become apparent until the child reaches adolescence or young adulthood.

• 2

  Watch for signs of chest or spine deformaties. For example, the chest may appear sunken inward or protrude outward. The spine may curve, a condition known as scoliosis.

• 3

  Examine the eyes and mouth of your child or young teenager. Many individuals diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome have crowded teeth and a "high palate" in the mouth. Usually these children are also near-sighted (myopia) and sometimes suffer from a dislocated lens in the eye, which makes the eye look upward.

• 4

  Take a look at your child's torso and examine it regularly. Sometimes, children diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome have stretch marks on their shoulders, hips and lower back area.

• 5

  Pay attention to any indication of easy bruising or bleeding, because though uncommon, such symptoms may indicate Marfan Syndrome or other medical conditions. Also watch for any signs of shortness of breath or complaints of racing heartbeats.