Abstract 12138: Angiotensin Blockade Reduces Aortic Dilatation in Patients With Marfan Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Recently few studies evaluated the effects of ACE/ARB in patients with Marfan syndrome. However, as majority of the studies were small and mainly pilot studies, conclusive evidence of benefit with ACE/ARB in this scenario is still pending. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of ACE/ARB on the progression of aortic root dilatation in patients with Marfan syndrome. Hypothesis: Treatment with ACE/ARBs is effective for the prevention of aortic-root enlargement in patients with Marfan syndrome. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials from the inception to April 30, 2013. The main outcome of the present analysis was the change in aortic root diameter with ACE/ABR therapy compared to control. The random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird was used. Results: Four studies were included in the final analysis; three studies were randomized trial and one was observation study. ACE/ARB significantly reduced enlargement of aortic root diameters compared to control; mean difference of -0.97 (95% confidence interval, -1.42 to -0.52; P<0.0001). Consistent benefit of ACE/ARB was observed in all sub-group and sensitivity analyses; against beta blocker, against placebo, in adult patients, with only ARB, analysis with the results from only RCTs. Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis indicating a beneficial effect of ACE/ARB treatment on aortic root dilatation in patients with Marfan Syndrome. Current evidence supports the use of ARB, specially losartan for this indication.