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Aortic-root dilation and dissection are the primary cause of death in patients with Marfan syndrome. To limit the progression of disease, beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers have been used. To compare the effects of losartan and atenolol in children and young adults with Marfan syndrome, researchers have conducted a randomized trial sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. They enrolled 608 participants (age range, 6 months to 25 years) in 21 clinical centers and randomized 303 to receive atenolol and 305 to receive losartan. The only baseline difference was in the incidence of endocrine disorders (atenolol, 2%; losartan, none). The primary outcome was the annual change, on echocardiography, in aortic-root-dia…