Overcoming Marfan Sep 25, 2008
But under the care of her cardiologist and friend, she has managed to will herself over, around, and through each obstacle that arises in her fight with Marfan Syndrome. Marfan Syndrome is a chronic disease that affects the body s connective tissue ... The disease killed her father at 36 years old, when she was 5, and that made her resent and hate Marfan Syndrome. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Mystery over gruesome find by mountain loch Sep 11, 2008
"Northern Constabulary yesterday said the man had yet to be formally identified, although it is understood he was carrying identification.Sources denied the body was that of Steven Cooper, a Huddersfield man who disappeared in January after leaving his car near Loch Laggan.Mr Cooper, who suffers from Marfan syndrome, a rare condition affecting the aorta, is Mr Anderson's only unsolved missing person case.However the man in the tent had not been reported missing, and had been equipped for a... (Scotsman)
More Aortic Chest Aneurysms Being Treated With Less-invasive Stents Aug 29, 2008
Risk factors for aneurysms and other aortic defects include smoking, hardening of the arteries, diabetes, family history, high blood pressure and congenital disorders such as Marfan syndrome. Many people do not realize they have aneurysms until the bulges are detected on CT scans or MRIs. (Science Daily)
Student athletes sometimes need specialized physicals Aug 26, 2008
The Nemours physician suspected he had Marfan syndrome, a condition characterized by a tall frame and long limbs that can lead to heart defects. The young man was subsequently sent on to a cardiologist for further tests. (Florida Times-Union)
Phelps Highlights Marfan Syndrome Aug 22, 2008
Michael Phelps Unintentionally Raises Marfan Syndrome Awareness ... Olympic swimmer and gold medalist Michael Phelps may not have Marfan syndrome but he certainly has people talking about it ... Marfan syndrome is a genetic disease where the body's connective tissue is defective. (Fox News)
VIDEO: Racing to stop a silent killer Aug 15, 2008
VIDEO Racing To Stop A Silent Killer (from The Herald ). He was, it seemed, a fit and healthy man; a professional athlete at the peak of his powers. (The Herald)
Victor A. McKusick, 86, pioneer in human genetics Jul 25, 2008
Dr. McKusick recognized the symptoms as Marfan syndrome, a disorder of the connective tissue, and began studying the condition. By 1956, he had brought together all of the available information about it, creating the first definitive description of the disorder and leading him to wonder about its cause. (Boston Globe)
McKusick, pioneer in medical genetics, dies at 86 Jul 25, 2008
McKusick trained as a cardiologist, but an encounter with a tall patient with an inherited disorder called Marfan syndrome altered the course of his career. He devoted his career to medical genetics in the late 1950s, a few years after DNA was discovered. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Considered father of medical genetics Jul 24, 2008
Dr. McKusick recognized the symptoms as Marfan syndrome, a disorder of the connective tissue. He eventually was able to isolate the gene responsible for the disorder, identifying it in a 1991 paper as FBN-1. (Chicago Tribune)
Drug Treatment For Marfan Syndrome Looks Promising Jun 28, 2008
ScienceDaily (June 27, 2008) A small study in 18 pattients assessing the effectiveness of the drug losartan for treating Marfan syndrome in children has yielded encouraging results. Reporting in the June 26 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, Johns Hopkins researchers showed that losartan-a compound used for years to treat high blood pressure-slowed the enlargement of the aorta, the most life-threatening defect associated with Marfan syndrome ... "This experience increases my belief... (Science Daily)
Blood Pressure Drug Shows Promise for Marfan Syndrome Jun 27, 2008
WEDNESDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- The high blood pressure drug losartan shows promise in treating Marfan syndrome, according to a small study by Johns Hopkins University researchers. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue ... The clinical trial of 18 children with severe Marfan syndrome found that losartan slowed the enlargement of the aorta, the most life-threatening defect associated with the condition. (MEDLINEplus)
Out And About Jun 22, 2008
Cox, whose tall, thin appearance is the result of Marfan syndrome, is a provocateur onstage, wearing dresses, using fake blood and generally inspiring audiences to love him or hate him. While he has referred to himself as a gay virgin, regardless of his sexual status Deerhunter has become one of the best rock groups around. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Medical Condition Ends Holloway's Basketball Career May 31, 2008
- University of Louisville center basketball career has ended after tests revealed he has Marfan syndrome, a condition which will limit his physical activity ... Marfan syndrome is a heritable condition that affects the connective tissue of the body, which provides a framework for growth and development ... Marfan syndrome can affect many body systems and can strike men, women and children of all races and ethnic backgrounds. (Uoflsports.com)
Graham convicted in BALCO trial May 30, 2008
Louisville's Clarence Holloway has ended his career after being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder marked by lengthened features and cardiovascular defects. The 7-foot-1-inch center had hoped to return in the fall after sitting out his freshman year following open-heart surgery to repair the wall of his aorta and the aortic valve. (Boston Globe)
Genetic disorder ends Louisville center's career May 30, 2008
-- Louisville center has ended his career after being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder marked by lengthened features and cardiovascular defects ... Marfan syndrome is a disease of the connective tissue. (ESPN -- College Basketball)
Local teenager defines good sportsmanship May 22, 2008
She enjoys hanging out with her friends and talking on the phone, but one small thing sets her apart, Marfan Syndrome. Marfan Syndrome is a heritable condition that affects the connective tissue that holds the body together and provides frame work for growth and development ... In Marfan Syndrome the connective tissue is defective and doesn t perform as it should. (Thomaston Times, GA)
The Androgynous Pharaoh? May 4, 2008
Egyptologist and archaeologist Donald B. Redford said he supports Dr. Braverman's belief that Akhenaten had Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder marked by lengthened features, including fingers and the face. Visiting clinics that treat those with the condition has strengthened that conviction, but this is very subjective, I must admit, said Mr. Redford, a professor of classic and ancient Mediterranean studies at Penn State University. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Doc Theorizes Pharoah Had Feminine Attributes May 3, 2008
Egyptologist and archaeologist Donald B. Redford said he supports Braverman's belief that Akhenaten had Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder marked by lengthened features, including fingers and the face. Marfan syndrome would not have been responsible for his feminine appearance, however ... Klinefelter Syndrome, a genetic condition that can also cause gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, has also been suggested, but Braverman said he suspects familial gynecomastia, a hereditary condition... (Fox News)
Why male pharaoh had feminine physique May 3, 2008
Egyptologist and archaeologist Donald B. Redford said he supports Braverman's belief that Akhenaten had Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder marked by lengthened features, including fingers and the face. WEIRD SCIENCE. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Area March of Dimes Ambassador named May 2, 2008
March of Dimes grantees identify genes responsible for Marfan syndrome an inherited disorder of connective tissue, and fragile X syndrome the most common known familial cause of mental retardation. 1992. (Demotte Kankakee Valley Post News, IN)
College Student Defies Doctors' Diagnosis May 2, 2008
The Face and Life of Marfan Syndrome. At 21, Marfan Syndrome Patient Exceeds Life-Span Expectations ... Mathew Rudes, 21, may be one of the oldest people alive with a severe form of Marfan syndrome. (ABC News)
New Guidelines Urge Heart Tests Before Kids Apr 22, 2008
During a physical, patients should be checked for abnormal heartbeats, high blood pressure or any traits suggestive of Marfan syndrome, a condition associated with structural defects in the heart. An electrocardiogram can detect such abnormalities as a thickening of the heart and a person's risk of runaway heartbeats that can cause sudden death. (Wall Street Journal)
Marissa Walk to remember Swampscott girl lost at age 4 Apr 15, 2008
That s because his daughter, Marissa, died in 2000 at age 4 of Marfan syndrome, an inheritable disorder of the connective tissue that affects many organ systems, including the skeleton, lungs, eyes, heart and blood vessels ... Losartan has shown the potential to offer the first real treatment for primaryprevention of problems associated with the Marfan syndrome ... The potential of this drug could trulyrevolutionize medical care for people affected with Marfan syndrome. (Swampscott Reporter, MA)
Towering toddlerIs a genetic syndrome responsible for a girl's excessive height? Mar 25, 2008
There is no cure for Marfan Syndrome - but the drug could help cut the number of deaths from heart failure ... "I have been told I have to send her to hospital for tests - for something called Marfan Syndrome," she said ... Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects about one in one in 5,000 people. (BBC News -- UK)
LIVE: Atlas Sound Break A Rare Sweat Mar 1, 2008
After noticing he was sweating, the gaunt frontman who said he didn't have enough body fat to produce sweat (he has Marfan syndrome, which produced his abnormally long limbs and shockingly thin figure) decided it was an occasion for celebration, and invited his guitarist to take a whiff to prove its authenticity. "The last time I sweated was in grade eight," he mused to a crowd that looked to be comprised mostly of vinyl collectors. (ChartAttack)
for the record Feb 29, 2008
A sufferer of Marfan syndrome - a genetic disorder of the connective tissue that gives him unnaturally long and spindly limbs - the front-man's stage performance echoes of post-modern art as much as his music. From old-maid dresses as fashion statements to deep-throating the microphone to performing acts of self-abasement in true Iggy Pop form, Cox has subscribed to the philosophy of rock as spectator sport with his shock-worthy show aesthetics. (Middlebury College -- The Campus, VT)
Mother's marathon raises awareness of syndrome Jan 30, 2008
Trish Carey was inspired to undertake the 1,200 kilometre journey after her daughter Lisa died from Marfan syndrome ... A woman from Narooma on the NSW south coast has walked from Adelaide to Canberra to raise awareness of a common but not widely known disorder called Marfan syndrome ... Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition which weakens the body's connective tissue and can result in death, for example when the aorta stretches and ruptures. (ABC Online)
Genetics pioneer honored Jan 18, 2008
That triggered a curiosity about genetics when he went on to describe the problems associated with Marfan syndrome, an inherited disorder of the connective tissue. People born with the disease have a weak aorta prone to rupture, along with tall stature and vision problems. (SunSpot.net)
'Morning of smiles' Dec 9, 2007
Jerod Gardner, 11, and his mother, Sara, show how Marfan syndrome, an enlarging of the heart, has caused an inflammation of his chest cavity ... Jerod has Marfan syndrome and an enlarged heart associated with the disease that pushes out his chest cavity. (Odessa American, TX)
What Lincoln had Dec 1, 2007
Scientists have long speculated about the health of the sixteenth American president Abraham Lincoln, whose long, lanky features were reminiscent of the genetic disorder Marfan syndrome, and whose melancholy hinted of depression ... The theory that Lincoln had Marfan syndrome was proposed in 1962. (Nature News Service)
Old drug offers new hope against disease Oct 29, 2007
Then a Baltimore researcher following a medical hunch, discovered that a years-old blood pressure medication seemed to reverse the symptoms of his disease, known as Marfan syndrome ... "We really believe we have a fundamental new understanding of Marfan syndrome," he said ... Marfan syndrome is relatively common among inborn genetic disorders, seen once in every 5,000 live births, according to the National Marfan Foundation. (Boston Globe)
Drug found to fight Marfan Oct 5, 2007
AUSTRALIAN researchers have made a major breakthrough against the terrible but little understood genetic condition known as Marfan Syndrome. The researchers, at Melbourne's Baker Heart Research Institute, have discovered that an existing drug used to reduce blood pressure, perindopril, also increases the elasticity of the arteries in people with Marfan Syndrome, a genetic condition afflicting one in every 3000-5000 people worldwide ... Marfan Syndrome causes defects in the body's connective... (The Australian)
Drug Combo Helps Fight Marfan Syndrome Oct 4, 2007
TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Treatment with the heart drug perindopril, along with a beta blocker, may help reduce certain cardiac complications of the hereditary disorder Marfan syndrome, research shows. Marfan syndrome, which principally affects connective tissues, is often characterized by excessive bone elongation and joint flexibility, and eye and cardiovascular system abnormalities ... Beta blockers are the current standard treatment for Marfan syndrome, but may not be as effective... (MEDLINEplus)
On the set with 'Bachelor No. 2' Sep 5, 2007
Proceeds from the event will go to the local chapter of the Marfan Syndrome Foundation. The Hollywood diet During a break in filming at 33 Restaurant & Lounge yesterday, "The Women" star Debra Messing was spotted having a sandwich on the patio. (Boston Globe)
Avondale girl gets assistance dog thanks to generosity Aug 2, 2007
Rebecca Patterson, 6, has several disabling illnesses including Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, Marfan syndrome and autism. She's hard of hearing and can't see that well, either. (AZCentral -- News)
Its a small world (for the tall) Jul 16, 2007
While Jackson, 53, said he has always enjoyed good health, Nichols, 38, suffers from Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder typically affecting very tall people. According to the National Marfan Foundations website, people with the syndrome can experience problems with the spine, eyes, heart and lungs. (Odessa American, TX)
'Mo' plays at 'Drive-In' Jun 20, 2007
Mo,' a film about Marfan Syndrome, at 'Drive-In' - Newsday ... Mo,' a film about Marfan Syndrome, at 'Drive-In ... His experiences living with Marfan Syndrome - a genetic disorder of the connective tissue - inspired this story of what it's like to grow up "different" on Long Island's South Shore. (Newsday -- Entertainment)
First Gene Linked To Scoliosis Identified Jun 16, 2007
The patients had an average spinal curvature of 40 degrees and did not have any illnesses, such as Marfan syndrome or cerebral palsy, which can also involve scoliosis. The researchers performed genome-wide scans that spelled out the 6 billion letters of genetic code in the affected family members and analyzed the data. (Science Daily)
Movies at 30 Rock for Tribeca Drive In Jun 14, 2007
Among the latter is "Mo", writer-director Brian Scott Lederman's coming-of-age story set on Long Island's South Shore, which stars "Malcolm in the Middle's" Erik Per Sullivan in the title role of a teenager coping with a genetic mutation called "Marfan Syndrome." It's being screened by the festival Thursday June 21. The June 19 festival opener is "Watching the Detectives," an audience favorite at this year's Tribeca festival. (Newsday -- Entertainment)
Drug May Cut Aneurysm Risk for Heart Defect Patients Jun 14, 2007
Doxycycline prevented rupture in mice engineered to have Marfan syndrome ... TUESDAY, June 12 (HealthDay News) -- The drug doxycycline delays dangerous aneurysm rupture in mice genetically engineered to have many of the clinical features of humans with Marfan syndrome, says a U.S. study ... In Marfan syndrome, a genetic flaw causes the walls of the heart's major arteries to weaken. (MEDLINEplus)
Spotting Sudden Death Risk In Athletes Mar 16, 2007
The physical exam includes screening for four potential signs of heart problems, including heart murmurs, elevated blood pressure, femoral pulses, and Marfan syndrome ... Marfan syndrome is an inherited condition that affects the heart and blood vessels, among other areas of the body. (CBS News)
Testspots teen athletescardiac ills Mar 16, 2007
The final four items call for a health examiner to rule out high blood pressure, heart murmur, a congenital disorder that weakens the heart muscle called Marfan syndrome, and narrowing of the aorta (the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body), which is accomplished by checking the athlete's pulses. As mentioned, any "yes" answer could foretell heart trouble in would-be student-athletes and would signal the need for further pre-participation screening, the AHA notes in... (MSNBC -- Health)
12-step screening may help reduce sudden death in young athletes Mar 14, 2007
Specific knowledge of certain cardiac conditions in family members: hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy in which the heart cavity or wall becomes enlarged, long QT syndrome which affects the hearts electrical rhythm, Marfan syndrome in which the walls of the hearts major arteries are weakened, or clinically important arrhythmias or heart rhythms ... Physical appearance of Marfan syndrome. (EurekAlert!)
* Wild oats are best sown early, studies suggest Mar 4, 2007
One of the most studied of these conditions is a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, but the list also includes neurofibromatosis, the connective-tissues disorder Marfan syndrome, skull and facial abnormalities like Apert syndrome, and many other diseases and abnormalities. "We have counseled for quite a long time that as paternal age increases, there is an increased frequency in new mutations," said Joe Leigh Simpson, president-elect of the American College of Medical Genetics. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Older fathers appear to raise risks of genetic disorders Mar 1, 2007
One of the most studied of these conditions is a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, but the list also includes neurofibromatosis, the connective tissues disorder Marfan syndrome, skull and facial abnormalities like Apert syndrome, and many other diseases and abnormalities. Some studies suggest that the risk of sporadic single-gene mutations may be four to five times higher for fathers who are 45 and older, compared with fathers in their 20s, said Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson, president-elect of... (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Connective Tissue Disorders Feb 24, 2007
Collagen Disorders and Their Causes. Up until the late 70 s, most systemic or rheumatological autoimmune diseases were referred to as connective tissue diseases or collagen diseases. (Suite101.com)
Common Blood Pressure Drug Reduces Progressive Muscle Degeneration In Mice Feb 5, 2007
The research is based on similarities in the mechanism of DMD and another rare disease Marfan syndrome and the discovery that losartan is effective in blocking the key mechanism in animal models of both diseases ... Marfan syndrome is a heritable connective tissue disorder affecting many organ systems, resulting in dislocation of the lens of the eye; progressive dilation of the aorta, which puts the aorta at risk of rupture; and small, weak muscles, says Harry C. Dietz, M.D., an author of the... (Science Daily)
Blood Pressure Drug Fights MD In Mice Jan 23, 2007
The John Hopkins University researchers also found it has a similar affect on genetically engineered mice with Marfan syndrome ... "In addition to the aortic defect, children with severe Marfan syndrome often have very small, weak muscles, and adults with Marfan often can't gain muscle mass despite adequate nutrition and exercise," explained Dietz, a professor of genetic medicine ... "For so many reasons, we're excited about these studies and their potential to transform the care of patients... (Playfuls.com)
Surprise hope for muscle diseases Jan 22, 2007
A team at Johns Hopkins University found the drug losartan seemed to improve muscle regeneration in mice with a rare condition known as Marfan syndrome and in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy the most common form in children ... In addition to the aortic defect, children with severe Marfan syndrome often have very small, weak muscles, and adults with Marfan often cant gain muscle mass despite adequate nutrition and exercise, Dr. Harry C. Dietz of Johns Hopkins, the lead... (MSNBC -- Health)
Blood pressure drug fights muscle damage Jan 22, 2007
A team at Johns Hopkins University found the drug losartan seemed to improve muscle regeneration in mice with a rare condition known as Marfan syndrome and in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy - the most common form in children. "The results are very intriguing and certainly worthy of further investigation," said Dr. Valerie Cwik, medical director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. (Buffalo News -- National)
Blood-pressure drug could also treat muscle disease Jan 22, 2007
A drug commonly used to lower blood pressure reverses muscle wasting in lab mice genetically engineered to develop either Marfan syndrome or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, according to new findings reported by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In Marfan syndrome, the chemical makeup of connective tissue _ the substance and support of tendons, ligaments, blood-vessel walls, cartilage and heart valves _ is abnormal and leaves those structures weakened ... "In addition... (Scripps Howard News Wire)
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE CONSOLIDATED BUDGET Jan 22, 2007
MUSCLEDRUG (Bowman, SHNS) _ A drug commonly used to lower blood pressure reverses muscle wasting in lab mice genetically engineered to develop either Marfan syndrome or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, according to new findings reported by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 600. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Common blood pressure drug treats muscular dystrophy in mice Jan 22, 2007
Clinical promise grows out of new twists on Marfan syndrome research. Researchers at Johns Hopkins have shown that a drug commonly used to lower blood pressure reverses muscle wasting in genetically engineered mice with Marfan syndrome and also prevents muscle degeneration in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy ... "In addition to the aortic defect, children with severe Marfan syndrome often have very small, weak muscles, and adults with Marfan often can't gain muscle mass despite adequate... (EurekAlert!)
Women's Basketball Game Versus Wright State On February 8th Moved To 11:30 A.M. Start Jan 12, 2007
While playing in Japan in 1986, Hyman suddenly died on the court from Marfan Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that led to a faulty aorta. Please join the UIC women's basketball team prior to its matchup against Wright State to recognize and promote girls and women sport. (Uicflames.com)
