The family structure that will be reviewed revolves around two sisters, J.A. and R.C. R.C. is the individual of focus who is managing the chronic condition, Marfan syndrome. Information regarding R.C., and the family structure and environment was …show more content…
The gene is an autosomal dominant trait and there is a 50% chance of passing this trait to offspring if a parent has the gene (DynaMed, 2015). There is a 25 % chance that the condition will develop from a mutated gene which would mean that there could be no prior history of Marfan’s until the gene mutation occurs (DynaMed, 2015). According to J.A., this is believed to have occurred in R.C. and J.A.’s family as there was no previous family history of Marfan syndrome prior to R.C. and their eldest sister, L.C. (J.A. personal communication, January 16th, 2016). The condition affects men and women equally, impacts about 1 in every 5000 people worldwide and the median survival age is around 72 (DynaMed, …show more content…
These complications typically include vision problems, such as detached retinas or cataracts, faulty heart valves, dissections and aneurysms in the aorta and scoliosis or kyphosis in the spine (Genetics Home Reference, 2012). Sunken or protruding chest walls can lead to irregular accumulations of air in the chest cavity which can result in a spontaneous pneumothorax (Genetics Home Reference, 2012). With this information as reference, exploration of the genograms, ecomaps and context can now provide insight into the affects of this disease on the family structure of R.C. and