Early recognition of Marfan's syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the classical features of Marfan's syndrome to help nurse practitioners (NPs) diagnose it in the early stages of progression and perhaps prevent many of its deleterious effects.


METHODS
Selected research-based articles in the scientific literature and classic medical texts.


CONCLUSIONS
The cause of Marfan's syndrome is unknown, but studies have linked it with a disorder of chromosome 15. It is a degenerative connective tissue disorder that affects the musculoskeletal, ocular, integumentary, respiratory, and neurologic systems. The most lethal effect is on the cardiovascular system causing dissecting aortic aneurysms.


CONCLUSIONS
Early diagnosis is essential for a positive course of management. Marfan's syndrome can have fatal consequences and is often underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed.
Amado
Juan A
JA
Palm Beach Community College, Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach, FL, USA.
Thomas
Debera J
DJ
D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008382:Marfan Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics