Comparison of Two Medications Aimed at Slowing Aortic Root Enlargement in Individuals With Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is an inheritable disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. An abnormal protein results in connective tissue that is weaker than normal. Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome can affect many body systems, including the skeleton, eyes, nervous system, skin, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Overall, heart and blood vessel abnormalities are the leading cause of death in individuals with Marfan syndrome. A common blood vessel abnormality associated with this disease involves the aorta, which is the large artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The aortic root, the portion of the aorta that is attached to the heart, may enlarge and tear or even rupture. A tear or rupture is considered a life-threatening emergency. Recent studies have shown that the medication losartan may reduce aortic root growth and improve heart function. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of losartan versus atenolol at slowing aortic root growth in individuals with Marfan syndrome.

This 3-year study will enroll individuals with Marfan syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either losartan or atenolol on a daily basis. All participants will initially receive a low dose of their assigned medication. This dose will be gradually increased every 3 to 4 weeks until the maximum tolerated dose is reached. A continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) that monitors heart rate and activity in 24-hour intervals will be used to determine the proper dose increase for each participant. Participants will then receive the maximum tolerated dose for the remainder of the study. Study visits will occur at baseline and Months 6, 12, 24, and 36. Each study visit will include a physical examination, a medical history review, an ECG, an echocardiogram, and questionnaires. Additionally, at the baseline study visit blood will be collected for laboratory testing.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Marfan syndrome, according to Ghent criteria (more information can be found in Appendix D of the protocol)
• Aortic root Z-score greater than 3.0

Exclusion criteria

• Prior aortic surgery
• Aortic root dimension at the sinuses of Valsalva greater than 5 cm
• Planned aortic surgery within 6 months of study entry
• Aortic dissection
• Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome
• Loeys-Dietz syndrome
• Therapeutic (i.e., for arrhythmia, ventricular dysfunction, or valve regurgitation) rather than prophylactic use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, beta-blocker, or calcium channel blocker
• History of angioedema while taking an ACE inhibitor or beta-blocker
• Intolerance to losartan or other angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that resulted in termination of therapy
• Intolerance to atenolol or other beta-blocker that resulted in termination of therapy
• Kidney dysfunction (i.e., creatinine greater than the upper limit of age-related normal values)
• Asthma of sufficient severity to prohibit the use of a beta-blocker
• Chronic use of steroids and/or beta-adrenergic agents with exacerbations of asthma that are frequent (averaging three or more per year) or severe (requiring hospitalization)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within 36 months of study entry
• Inability to complete study procedures, including history of poor acoustic windows (i.e., inability to obtain accurate measurement of aortic root)