The effects of angiotensin 2 blockade on arterial stiffness in patients with Marfan Syndrome: a comparison with beta blockade and placebo (BETA BLOCKER)

INTERVENTION: Patients with Marfan Syndrome (MFS) develop dissection of the aorta and aortic valve incompetence which can lead to premature death. Administration of beta adrenoceptor blockers slows aortic dilation and in one study reduced the number of cardiovascular events when compared to placebo. In the light of new trial evidence and some in vitro experimentation it is possible that a new class of drug, the angiotensin 2 antagonist may have an superior benefit to the beta blocker in these patients. We aim to test this hypothesis by administering this drug in the setting of a clinical trial and measuring the response using detailed arterial stiffness measurements. In this way we hope to compare the beta blocker to the angiotensin 2 antagonist. This may subsequently form the basis for a larger multicentre trial. Cross‐over design comparing beta blocker + angiotensin 2 or placebo CONDITION: Marfan syndrome ; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases ; Other specified congenital malformation syndromes affecting multiple systems PRIMARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: 30 patients aged 18‐30