MARFAN’S SYNDROME

Marfan’s Syndrome
Marfan’s syndrome, or arachnodactyly, is an
autosomal dominant trait marked by excessive
growth at the epiphyseal plates (i.e., tall stature),
arachnodactyly (the fingers are long, slender, and
curved, resembling a spider’s legs), skull
asymmetry, and alterations in the joints , eyes ,
heart, and aorta.

** The incidence is 1 to 2 per 100,000 individuals.

The joints are lax and hypermobile, and striated muscles
are poorly developed.

Visual problems are often present because of the

dislocation of the lens.

A child with Marfan’s syndrome may begin walking later

than usual because of decreased postural stability, but
the child will not necessarily have developmental
delays.
 Longevity is diminished because of cardiac
complications.

SYMPTOMS
• Increased height and decreased weight for age.
• Excessively long extremities.
• Scoliosis.
• Coxa vara
• Depressed sternum.
Symptoms (con.t)

• Elastic skin.
• Fragility of the blood vessels
• Stooped shoulders
INTERVENTION

# We already know that our perspective as OTs is to consider how the

patient's disease affects the "Occupational Performance" and Independency.

* OT intervention with Marfan's patients :

- Working on transfer and mobility to help our patient move without

restrictions.

- Concentrate on "Energy Conservation Techniques" and "Pain

Management" , the patient shouldn't get tired.
INTERVENTION (CON.T)

- Educate patient and family about proper body positions

and alignment.

- Helping our patient through applying "Compensatory

Approach"
(environmental modification and use of assistive devices),
according to signs and symptoms of the disease and what
are the functional areas affected.
 Occupational Therapy
Hopeless into hope
Can’t into can
Impossible into possible

– Made by: Ghadeer Alomari