Marfan's Syndrome is an inherited disorder of the connective tissue involving the collagen and glyccosamino-glycans tissue.
It is characterized by generally weak connective tissue which includes muscles, ligaments and bones.
It is an inherited disease caused by an autosomal dominant gene.
Inheritance is passed to 50 per cent of offspring if one parent is affected and 100 per cent of offspring if both parents are affected.
Marfan's Syndrome can also be from mutation of the genes.
People with Marfan Syndrome are usually exceptionally tall with long fingers and rather flat feet.
They may have a spinal curve (scoliosis) and be shortsighted
The two heart problems that are most serious are enlargement of the main body artery and leaky heart valves.
When the main body artery stretches (aortic aneurysm) it becomes weaker and blood can leak through the wall (dissection or rupture).
Another heart problem that can occur is leaking of the heart valves.
1. Long slender extremities with arm span exceeding height and long tapered fingers
2. Skeletal deformities include:
a. Kyphoscoliosis
b. Pectus excavatum
c. Long narrow face
d. High arched palate
e. Pronathism
3. Lax ligaments resulting in:
a. Hyperflexiblity of joints
b. Easily strained ligaments and joints
c. Flat feet
4. Eye problems:
a. Dislocation of lens due to lax ligaments
b. Myopia
5. Heart problems:
a. Dilatation of aorta
b. Dilatation of pulmonary artery
Diagnosis of Marfan's Syndrome is often based on:
1. Medical examination of appearance
2. Measurement of metacarpal index from X-rays
Ratio of length to midpoint width is greater than 8.5
3. Urinary hydroxyproline is excessive indicating increased collagen turnover
4. Genetic analysis
Treatment of Marfan's Syndrome includes:
1. Genetic counseling
2. Prevention of joint strains especially spinal joints
3. Beta blockers can reduce aortic blood flow and prevent dilatation of aorta
There may be a shorter life span because of heart and skeletal problems
TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Marfan Syndrome
Chapter 2 More about Marfan Syndrome
Chapter 3 Treatment of Marfan Syndrome
Chapter 4 Down Syndrome
Chapter 5 Klinefelter Syndrome
Chapter 6 Turner Syndrome
Chapter 7 Huntington's Chorea
Epilogue
Marfan's Syndrome is an inherited disease
It causes the connective tissue an elasticity defect.
It is usually inherited from autosomal dominant conditions
Marfan Syndrome can also be the result of the gene mutations
It is characterized by generally weak connective tissue with great flexibility
Marfan Syndrome is usually exceptionally tall with long extremities
Marfan Syndrome also may have pectus abnormalities
Marfan Syndrome has a spinal curve called scoliosis
Marfan Syndrome also has eye problems such as eye dislocation
Some have heart problems such as abnormal valve and aortic dissection.
There is no cure in Marfan Syndrome, only prevention with genetic counseling.
Other treatment is dental care, physical exercise and preventive medicines.
-An original poem by Kenneth Kee
Autorentext
Dr. Kenneth Kee is a well-known medical doctor from Singapore who has been practicing medicine since 1972.
He graduated from the University of Singapore and furthered his studies with a Master of Science in Health Management in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration in 1993.
Dr. Kee established Kee Clinic in 1974, located in the Holland Drive area of Singapore. The clinic has been a prominent feature of the community, offering general medical services for 5 decades.
Dr Kee also served his country Singapore as a national service police Inspector at night from 1975 to 1985 while working at his clinic during the day.
He had served as a police guard to the Woodland Petroleum Tanks at night during the Indonesian Confrontation period, took part in police rounds at night in the Beach Road area and taught First aid and emergency resuscitation to Police recruits.
He received the Singapore Police Bicentennial 2020 Medallion on 1st March 2024 as recognition for his work in the Singapore Police.
Even as he grew older, Dr. Kee continued to work actively in his clinic, although he eventually reduced his consultation hours.
Beyond his medical career, Dr. Kee is also an author.
He started writing about medical conditions in 2007, using blogs and other online platforms to share his knowledge with a broader audience.
Over time, he published various books, many of which provide simple and accessible guides to different health conditions.
His works include "A Family Doctor's Tale," "My Personal Singapore History," and numerous medical guides, available through platforms like Amazon.
His books often combine his personal experiences as a family doctor with insights into Singapore's healthcare system and history.
Dr. Kee has written extensively on health topics, contributing to both medical literature and general knowledge resources.
Dr. Kenneth Kee has written numerous books, primarily focused on health education and personal experiences as a family doctor. Some of his notable titles include:
"A Family Doctor's Tale"
This book is a blend of Dr. Kee's personal experiences and his reflections on being a family doctor in Singapore. It's a great choice if you're looking for a narrative that combines both medical knowledge and human stories.
"Specialized Medical Conditions"
Books like **"Congestive Heart Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment"** focus on specific conditions, offering in-dept...