Magnetic growing rods

There is a new technique being trialled in Melbourne which uses magnetic growing rods. My specialists here in Sydney are also trialling a similar type of system. They have done one surgery at present, with another to be completed soon. This technique may be an option for Evelyne. The benefit is the rods can be extended without 6 monthly surgeries. There is a recent article below on a 7 year old boy who recently had the surgery.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/magnetic-attraction-gives-matthew-chance-to-stand-tall-20111023-1memn.html

Australian Story - Marfan Syndrome

The ABC show Australian Story recently featured a family with Marfan Syndrome.

Marfan and Beals Syndromes are very similar. Marfan Syndrome involves a mutation of Fibrillin 1 whilst Beals Syndrome involves a mutation of Fibrillin 2. They both involve long stature and long slender limbs. However typically skeletal issues (such as scoliosis, clubfoot, joint contractures) are greater in Beals Syndrome, and heart issues (life-threatening defects of the heart valve and aorta) are greater in Marfan Syndrome.

In this episode of Australian story, Alisa and her two brothers were born with this genetic disorder, passed on from their mother. The show explores Alisa's desire to have children, however her concerns with passing on the gene to the next generation. People with Beals and Marfan Syndromes have a 1:2 chance of passing the gene onto their children. The decision of what to do in this situation is very difficult.

Alisa's story is complicated by the fact that due to her heart involvement, her life would be at risk if she bore a child, regardless of the genetic decisions.

Although personally we have decided not to pursue avenues of genetic testing in order to have more children, this is something that Evelyne will have to make decisions on one day.

You can watch the episode via the link below until 21/08/11.

http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/view/801928