Losartan and marfan
Common Questions and Answers about Losartan and marfan
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Lastly, I also read that older fathers are more likely to have new mutations of the fibrillin gene appear in chromomsome 15 and that Marfan is caused by a single gene for fibrillin on chromosome 15. My father was 49 when I was born.
However, I do not remotely resemble the typical Marfan patient's physical characteristics but, to my surprise, when I measured my armspan, I found that it is greater than my height.
From there he developed aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation, and his aorta began to dilate. He started taking losartan to help keep his aorta from enlarging anymore. We took him back for a check up and his cardiologist told us what my son has is rare and mainly seen in Marfan syndrome. His ascending aorta is a 2.9, at what point would surgery need to be done? He is 51 pounds. He also goes for a second opinion at Vanderbilt on May 12.
My 21-year old son was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome at age 6. He has been on beta-blockers since that time. During his childhood and teen years, he had severe physical restrictions and had MVP as well as a dialated right ascending aorta.
At this point in his life, the only symptom he sees an enlarge aortic root. It is enlarged at just under 4 cm. He has no joint pain. His breast bone is only slightly protruded. He does have sublixated lenses, but his vision is just fine with glasses.
By the way, Pat, regardless of whether you have Marfan Syndrome or not, you might Google "losartan" and "Marfan Syndrome" to read articles on this topic. I don't think losartan is the best ARB, but it's the one being used in the current studies. All ARBs seem to work, some better than others. Efficacy is usually dose-dependent.
You should also be aware of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy. Click on my screenname and read previous posts on the topic, or Google the terms "losartan" and "Marfan." There is evidence that these drugs can halt or reverse aortic dilatation in MFS patients, perhaps precluding the need for surgery.
I believe marijuana raises blood pressure significantly. Any raise in BP is bad for someone with an aneurysm.
On a separate note, be sure you are informed about ARB therapy for Marfan patients. If you haven't heard of the research, google "losartan and Marfan." Aneurysms can be treated by pill in Marfan patients.
Docs on here will continue to tell you about surgery and beta blockers, but will not (for some unknown reason that I'd love to hear) tell you about the latest developments in treating people on the Marfan/Loeys Dietz spectrum.
I really get tired of typing this information out over and over, so I just tell people to click on my screen name and look at some older posts about angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors.
Hi ajr81,
Be sure to talk to your cardiologist about the drugs called ARBs. Please visit www.marfanlife.net, even if you don't have Marfan Syndrome, and check the thread on "losartan.
Connective tissue weakness appears to be at play in severe myopia in Marfan patients. As you may be aware, there has been enormous excitement in the Marfan community lately based on research originating at Johns Hopkins using ARBs (and in some studies, ACEi's) like losartan to reduce TGF-b signalling and thus arresting or even reversing aortic dilatation.
There is some preliminary research into comparing atenolol versus losartan in the prevention of aortic root dilation in patients with Marfan syndrome through the Pediatric Heart Network (sponsored by the NIH). Though your son doesn’t have Marfan syndrome, there are some similarities in the aortic dilation that occurs between that and bicuspid aortic valve that may also respond to these medications.
The gentleman who has done my last two echos is about to begin a research project into the effects of losartan on aortic root dilation for non-marfan patients and will be the only person taking the measurements in order to maintain consistent method.
Yes, I do have subtle Marfan signs, as well as, and possibly causing, obstructive sleep apnea(CPAP'd).
Hello,
I'm the mom who has a son that was diagnosed by chance with a bicuspid aortic valve and dilated aortic root at the age of 13 years old. He was diagnosed in May 2008. Initially the ascending part of the aorta was 2.6 and has progressed steadily with his six month checkups to 4.0 as of Feb 15, 2010. His root measured 3.8. He has had all genetic testing (Marfan's, Loeys-Dietz, Famial Thoraic) and they were all negative.
The only other Marfan characteristics he presents with is myopia and his height. His cardiologist is going to do a repeat echo in 6 months. What else should we be doing? Betablockers? What is the prognosis for aortic root dilation? He is an athletic and social child. He plays baseball on a travel team. Are there any athletic restrictions that he should be observing? He works out at home with light (5-10lb) weights and cardio exercises. How fast does aortic root dilation progress?
THIS is the problem with most cardiologists today. They routinely prescribe beta blockers for patients with aortic root dilatation, even though the most recent studies have shown that they DO NOT HELP YOU. Beta blockers are prescribed because they make sense on paper, but in practice, they are absolutely useless.
These doctors are also grossly behind the times. I don't know whether they are ignorant of the latest, big-news breakthroughs or just unwilling to try them.
poor eye sight his waiting on genetic testing for marfan syndrome he has started on losartan tablets .....
Losartan also may cause a persistent cough, increase serum potassium, impotence, and angioedema. Losartan may reduce kidney function in some patients and should not be used by patients who have bilateral renal artery stenosis (narrowing of both arteries going to the kidneys). Rare cases of rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) have been reported.
If someone is diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, the geneticist and sometimes a genetic counselor provide information about the syndrome, discuss screening and management, implications for family members and provide support in adjusting to the diagnosis.
Marfan syndrome runs in families in an autosomal dominant manner. This means that someone with Marfan syndrome has 50% chance of passing this condition on to each child he or she has. Inheritance is not affected by gender.
My daughter is 23 months old and was recently dx with Aortic root dilation. She has shones complex and had a repair done at 3 weeks old for a large VSD, 2 ASD's, PDA, and a coarc. She has a BAV and Parachute MV. She did not cooperate well for the ECHO so they are repeating next week, sedated, to get a better look at the valves but they did see the dilated aortic root. The cardio wanted to wait until we see the valves to give me more info but said it is at 3.8 SD.
First, do a web search for Marfan Syndrome (start with wikipedia) and educate yourself about that condition. Whether you have it or not is critical to any suggestions regarding your vision. Second, -6 myopia is only moderate myopia. People with Marfan Syndrome usually have extremely high prescriptions, often with high astigmatism. So this doesn't fit either.
Do any of you have these other issues with your body. - Extreme flexibility, ( particularly when you were younger, you could do all kinds of "tricks") Very soft skin, people often comment how soft your skin is, often touching. Your skin can be "stretchy" or doughy. When you stand and look at the side of your feet down by the bottom you have little white dots that feel like small peas under your skin.
s, kidney scans and urine samples, so I was put on 50 mg of Losartan- atid a day, got a machine for the upper arm and everything has been normal since then (I measure everyday). My mother has had hypertension for about 10 years now, but her measurements weren't as high and she gets it from being obese.
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