Effect of beta-adrenergic blockade on aortic root rate of dilation in the Marfan syndrome

We recommend that patients with the Marfan syndrome should begin P-adrenergic blocker therapy at the earliest age possible and that the dose be adjusted to the largest dose that is clinically tolerated. Our centers differ with respect to the size of the aorta at the time of recommending onset of therapy. The JHH criteria do not include a size cutoff. The UT experience and recommendation is to treat children with aortic size at or above the 95th percentile.