Table 2. Use of β-blockers in management of MFS patients.

Study/authors (reference)	Type of study	Study population (Marfan syndrome)	Drug	Results	Comments
Shores et al. 1994 (11)	Randomized control trial	70 patients: 32 treated, 38 untreated	β-blocker: (propanolol)	(I) ↓ in aortic root dilatation in treated group (P<0.001). (II) No change in clinical outcome	Small sample size and no placebo used
Silverman et al. 1995 (17)	Retrospective data review	417 patients: 191 treated, 142 untreated, 84 unknown status of treatment	β-blockers: propanolol (n=14); atenolol (n=100); metoprolol (n=5); nadolol (n=50); >1 β-blocker (n=22)	Higher probability of survival in treated group (P<0.01)	No randomized control group
Salim et al. 1994 (18)	Clinical trial (non-randomized)	113 patients: 100 treated, 13 untreated	β-blockers: propanolol; atenolol	Aortic root dilation greater in untreated group	Outcomes were not significant
Selamet Tierney et al. 2007 (19)	Case control study	63 patients (<18 years of age): treated 29, untreated 34	β-blockers: atenolol	No sig change in aortic root dilation	–
Rios et al. 1999 (10)	Clinical trial (non-randomized)	23 patients treated	Atenolol	Heterogeneous response to β-blockers in aortic compliance	No control group

MFS, Marfan syndrome.