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Lovato L, Cefarelli M, Di Marco L, Arcioni D, Tortora G, Dormi A, Schicchi N, Mariucci E, Di Eusanio M, Pacini D, Fattori R. Marfan and Loeys-Dietz aortic phenotype: A potential tool for diagnosis and management. JTCVS OPEN 2024; 19:223-240. [PMID: 39015450 PMCID: PMC11247241 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Objective In heritable aortic diseases, different vascular involvement may occur with potential variable implications in aortic dilation/dissection risk. This study aimed to analyze the aortic anatomy of individuals with Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome to identify possible morphological differences. Methods Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracoabdominal aorta from the proximal supra-aortic vessels to the femoral bifurcation level of 114 patients with Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes and 20 matched control subjects were examined. Aortic diameters, areas, length, and tortuosity were measured in different aortic segments using specific vessel analysis software. Results Patients with Marfan syndrome showed a higher prevalence of ascending aorta and aortic root dilation (P = .011), larger and longer aortic roots (P = .013) with pear-shaped phenotype, larger isthmus/descending aorta diameter ratio (P = .015), and larger suprarenal aorta and iliac arteries. Patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome showed longer indexed segments and a significantly longer arch (P = .006) with type 2/3 arch prevalence (P = .097). Measurement ratios analysis provided cut-off values (aortic root to ascending aorta length/aortic root diameter, aortic root/sinotubular junction, aortic root/ascending aorta diameter) differentiating patients with Marfan syndrome from patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, even in the early stage of the disease. Conclusions Both syndromes show peculiar anatomic patterns at different aortic levels irrespective of aortic dilation and disease severity. These features may represent the expression of different genetic mutations on aortic development, with a potential impact on prognosis and possibly contributing to better management of the diseases. The systematic adoption of whole body imaging with magnetic resonance or computed tomography should always be considered, because they allow a complete vascular assessment with practical indicators of differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Lovato
- Pediatric and Adult Cardiothoracic and Vascular, Oncohematologic and Emergency Radiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariano Cefarelli
- Cardiac Surgery Unit and Marfan Center, Lancisi Cardiovascular Center, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Di Marco
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniel Arcioni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giada Tortora
- Medical Genetic Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ada Dormi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicolò Schicchi
- Cardiovascular Radiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mariucci
- Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Di Eusanio
- Cardiac Surgery Unit and Marfan Center, Lancisi Cardiovascular Center, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Pacini
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella Fattori
- Centro Sindrome di Marfan e Aortopatie Ereditaria, Lancisi Cardiovascular Center, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Baban A, Parlapiano G, Cicenia M, Armando M, Franceschini A, Pacifico C, Panfili A, Zinzanella G, Romanzo A, Fusco A, Caiazza M, Perri G, Galletti L, Digilio MC, Buonuomo PS, Bartuli A, Novelli A, Raponi M, Limongelli G. Unique Features of Cardiovascular Involvement and Progression in Children with Marfan Syndrome Justify Dedicated Multidisciplinary Care. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:114. [PMID: 38667733 PMCID: PMC11050181 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11040114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MIM: # 154700; MFS) is an autosomal dominant disease representing the most common form of heritable connective tissue disorder. The condition presents variable multiorgan expression, typically involving a triad of cardiovascular, eye, and skeletal manifestations. Other multisystemic features are often underdiagnosed. Moreover, the disease is characterized by age related penetrance. Diagnosis and management of MFS in the adult population are well-described in literature. Few studies are focused on MFS in the pediatric population, making the clinical approach (cardiac and multiorgan) to these cases challenging both in terms of diagnosis and serial follow-up. In this review, we provide an overview of MFS manifestations in children, with extensive revision of major organ involvement (cardiovascular ocular and skeletal). We attempt to shed light on minor aspects of MFS that can have a significant progressive impact on the health of affected children. MFS is an example of a syndrome where an early personalized approach to address a dynamic, genetically determined condition can make a difference in outcome. Applying an early multidisciplinary clinical approach to MFS cases can prevent acute and chronic complications, offer tailored management, and improve the quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Baban
- The European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart-ERN GUARD-Heart, Cardiogenetic Center, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Giovanni Parlapiano
- The European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart-ERN GUARD-Heart, Cardiogenetic Center, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Marianna Cicenia
- The European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart-ERN GUARD-Heart, Pediatric Cardiology and Arrhythmia/Syncope Units, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Michela Armando
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessio Franceschini
- The European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart-ERN GUARD-Heart, Pediatric Cardiology and Arrhythmia/Syncope Units, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Concettina Pacifico
- Audiology and Otosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Arianna Panfili
- The European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart-ERN GUARD-Heart, Cardiogenetic Center, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Gaetano Zinzanella
- Ophthalmology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (G.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Antonino Romanzo
- Ophthalmology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (G.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Adelaide Fusco
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (M.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Martina Caiazza
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (M.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Gianluigi Perri
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Lung Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Lorenzo Galletti
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Lung Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Maria Cristina Digilio
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.C.D.); (P.S.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Paola Sabrina Buonuomo
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.C.D.); (P.S.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Andrea Bartuli
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.C.D.); (P.S.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Raponi
- Medical Direction, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (M.C.); (G.L.)
- Centre for Paediatric Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London WC1N 3JH, UK
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Abstract
We investigated the correlation between the musculoskeletal features and the cardiovascular anomalies in pediatric patients affected by Marfan syndrome, in order to identify possible orthopedic deformities that could be a warning sign for severe aortic dilatation. Moreover, we analyzed the role of the orthopedic aspects in the early diagnosis of the disease in a pediatric population. Seventy-two patients from 3 to 14 years of age, underwent interdisciplinary evaluation that included an orthopedic and cardiological examination. At the orthopedic examination, we analyzed the musculoskeletal features included in the systemic score of the revised Ghent criteria. Cardiological evaluation included a transthoracic echocardiography with definition of the cardiac Z-score, which is an index that evaluates aortic diameter. A statistical analysis was performed. We identified a statistically significant correlation between the presence of pectus excavatum and cardiac Z-score ≥3 (P = 0.022). Clinically, this data means that pectus excavatum is frequently observed in patients with larger aortic root diameter. On the contrary, no statistically significant correlation was found between the other investigated musculoskeletal features and a pathological Z-score. In the pediatric population, the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome remains difficult because many clinical manifestations are age-dependent and the Ghent criteria, usually used for adults, are not reliable in children. Our results show that the presence of pectus excavatum could help in the early identification of patients at greater risk of developing possibly fatal aortic disease. However, it is always indicated to screen all patients with Marfan syndrome for cardiac abnormalities, even in absence of pectus excavatum.
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Micarelli A, Viziano A, Lanzillotta A, Giorgino FM, Pisano C, Ruvolo G, Alessandrini M. Postural control abnormalities related to sleep deprivation in patients with Marfan Syndrome. J Vestib Res 2019; 29:261-269. [PMID: 31707379 DOI: 10.3233/ves-190684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder affecting virtually every organ. Sleep disturbances, associated to high collapsibility in upper airways, are common in MFS; daytime sleepiness could lead to reduction in attention and motor coordination, with detrimental effects on balance. OBJECTIVE To evaluate otoneurological function in MFS patients, compared to healthy subjects, and to investigate possible correlations with sleep deprivation extent. METHODS Forty-one MFS patients underwent a thorough otoneurological examination, video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), and static posturography. Sleep parameters were recorded by home monitoring. Daytime sleepiness and dizziness-related handicap were screened by means of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results were compared with 49 healthy controls (HC). RESULTS DHI and ESS scores were increased in MFS patients (p < 0,01). vHIT scores showed no between-group effect. Classical (surface and length) and frequency-domain posturographic parameters were significantly increased in MFS with respect to HC (p < 0,01). A positive correlation was found between ESS scores and posturographic parameters in MFS patients. CONCLUSIONS An impaired postural control, related to the extent of sleep deprivation, was found in MFS patients. Such results could advocate for screening and treating sleep deprivation and balance dysfunctions in MFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Micarelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Otolaryngology Unit, 'Tor Vergata' University, Rome, Italy.,ITER Center for Balance and Rehabilitation Research (ICBRR), Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Viziano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Otolaryngology Unit, 'Tor Vergata' University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Lanzillotta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Otolaryngology Unit, 'Tor Vergata' University, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Maria Giorgino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Respiratory Unit, 'Tor Vergata' University, Rome, Italy
| | - Calogera Pisano
- Department of Surgery Sciences, Cardiac Surgery Unit, 'Tor Vergata' University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ruvolo
- Department of Surgery Sciences, Cardiac Surgery Unit, 'Tor Vergata' University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Alessandrini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Otolaryngology Unit, 'Tor Vergata' University, Rome, Italy
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Johnson CM, Spruiell B, Wiesen C, Pimenta LA, Vann W, Frazier‐Bowers SA. Craniofacial characterization of Marfan Syndrome. Orthod Craniofac Res 2019; 22 Suppl 1:56-61. [DOI: 10.1111/ocr.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian M. Johnson
- Department of OrthodonticsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Brittany Spruiell
- Department of OrthodonticsTexas A and M University College of Dentistry Dallas Texas
| | - Chris Wiesen
- The Odum InstituteUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Luiz A. Pimenta
- Department of Dental EcologyUNC Craniofacial CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - William Vann
- Department of Pediatric DentistryThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Sylvia A. Frazier‐Bowers
- Department of OrthodonticsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina
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Calò L, Martino A, Tranchita E, Sperandii F, Guerra E, Quaranta F, Parisi A, Nigro A, Sciarra L, Ruvo ED, Casasco M, Pigozzi F. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluation of a large cohort of peri-pubertal soccer players during pre-participation screening. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2019; 26:1444-1455. [PMID: 30696262 DOI: 10.1177/2047487319826312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities in young athletes may be helpful not only to identify subjects potentially at risk of sudden cardiac death but also to prevent stress-related cardiac dysfunction and cardiovascular events during the life of these subjects. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in a population of young male soccer players undergoing pre-participation screening through electrocardiogram and trans-thoracic echocardiography. METHODS All consecutive male football players undergoing pre-participation screening comprehensive of medical history, physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiogram and trans-thoracic echocardiography at the FMSI Sport Medicine Institute in Rome between January 2008-March 2009 were enrolled in the study. RESULTS Overall, 2261 consecutive young athletes aged 12.4 ± 2.6 years were evaluated. Training-unrelated electrocardiogram abnormalities were observed in 65 (2.9%) athletes. Abnormal trans-thoracic echocardiography was observed in 102 athletes (4.5%), including two cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, eight of mild left ventricular hypertrophy, six of mild left ventricular dilation and 17 of bicuspid aortic valve. An abnormal electrocardiogram was associated with anomalous trans-thoracic echocardiography in 11/65 (16.9%) cases. All athletes requiring sport disqualification were identified by electrocardiogram. Notably, among 2216 athletes with a normal electrocardiogram, 91 had abnormal trans-thoracic echocardiography, including six cases of left ventricular dilation and six of ventricular hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS In a wide population of peri-pubertal male athletes, evaluation of the electrocardiogram identified all cardiac diseases requiring sport disqualification. Trans-thoracic echocardiography alone allowed the identification of cardiac abnormalities potentially leading to cardiomyopathies or major cardiovascular events over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Calò
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Italy
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
- 3 Italian Federation of Sport Medicine (FMSI) Institute, Villa Stuart Sport Clinic-FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Italy
| | | | - Eliana Tranchita
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
| | - Fabio Sperandii
- 4 Operating Unit of Sport Medicine and Physical Activity Promotion, AUSL Piacenza, Italy
| | - Emanuele Guerra
- 5 Operating Unit of Sport Medicine, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Quaranta
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
| | - Attilio Parisi
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
| | - Antonia Nigro
- 3 Italian Federation of Sport Medicine (FMSI) Institute, Villa Stuart Sport Clinic-FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Italy
| | - Luigi Sciarra
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Pigozzi
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Italy
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
- 3 Italian Federation of Sport Medicine (FMSI) Institute, Villa Stuart Sport Clinic-FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Italy
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Speed TJ, Mathur VA, Hand M, Christensen B, Sponseller PD, Williams KA, Campbell CM. Characterization of pain, disability, and psychological burden in Marfan syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2016; 173:315-323. [PMID: 27862906 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The clinical manifestations of Marfan syndrome frequently cause pain. This study aimed to characterize pain in a cohort of adults with Marfan syndrome and investigate demographic, physical, and psychological factors associated with pain and pain-related disability. Two hundred and forty-five participants (73% female, 89% non-Hispanic white, 90% North American) completed an online questionnaire assessing clinical features of Marfan syndrome, pain severity, pain-related disability, physical and mental health, depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, and insomnia. Eighty-nine percent of respondents reported having pain with 28% of individuals reporting pain as a presenting symptom of Marfan syndrome. Almost half of individuals reported that pain has spread from its initial site. Participants in our study reported poor physical and mental health functioning, moderate pain-related disability, and mild levels of depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, and pain catastrophizing. Those who identified pain as an initial symptom of Marfan syndrome and those who reported that pain had spread from its initial site reported greater psychological burden compared with those without pain as an initial symptom or pain spreading. Physical health is the largest predictor of pain severity and pain-related disability. While pain catastrophizing and worse mental health functioning are significant correlates of pain severity and pain-related disability, respectively. Pain is a significant and persistent problem in Marfan syndrome and is associated with profound disability and psychological burden. Further studies are indicated to better characterize the directionality of pain, pain-related disability, and psychological burden in Marfan syndrome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci J Speed
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vani A Mathur
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Matthew Hand
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bryt Christensen
- Division Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul D Sponseller
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kayode A Williams
- Division Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Claudia M Campbell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Li-Wan-Po A, Loeys B, Farndon P, Latham D, Bradley C. Preventing the aortic complications of Marfan syndrome: a case-example of translational genomic medicine. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 72:6-17. [PMID: 21276043 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03929.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The translational path from pharmacological insight to effective therapy can be a long one. We aim to describe the management of Marfan syndrome as a case-example of how pharmacological and genomic insights can contribute to improved therapy. We undertook a literature search for studies of Marfan syndrome, to identify milestones in description, understanding and therapy of the syndrome. From the studies retrieved we then weaved an evidence-based description of progress. Marfan syndrome shows considerable heterogeneity in clinical presentation. It relies on defined clinical criteria with confirmation based on FBN1 mutation testing. Surgical advances have prolonged life in Marfan syndrome. First-line prophylaxis of complications with β-adrenoceptor blockers became established on the basis that reduction of aortic pressure and heart rate would help. Over-activity of proteinases, first suggested in 1980, has since been confirmed by evidence of over-expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), notably MMP-2 and MMP-9. The search for MMP inhibitors led to the evaluation of doxycycline, and both animal studies and small trials, provided early evidence that this widely used antimicrobial agent was useful. Identification of the importance of TGF-β led to evaluation of angiotensin II type I receptor (AT(1) R) blockers with highly promising results. Combination prophylactic therapy would appear rational. Pharmacological and genomic research has provided good evidence that therapy with losartan and doxycycline would prevent the aortic complications of Marfan syndrome. If on-going well designed trials confirm their efficacy, the outlook for Marfan syndrome patients would be improved considerably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Li-Wan-Po
- National Genetics Education and Development Centre, Morris House, C/o Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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Espínola-Zavaleta N, Iqbal FM, Nanda NC, Enríquez-Rodríguez E, Amezcua-Guerra LM, Bojalil-Parra R, Reyes PA, Soto ME. Echocardiographic Study of a Mestizo-Mexican Population with Marfan Syndrome. Echocardiography 2010; 27:923-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2010.01208.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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