article_snippet: All we had known all my life was that I had a syndrome which meant that I couldn't gain weight. '
article_snippet: Connective tissue also plays an important role in helping the body grow and develop properly.
article_snippet: Three-quarters of those who have it inherit it -
article_snippet: But some are the first in some family to have it, which is called spontaneous mutation when it happens.
article_snippet: This means it is important for early diagnosis and treatment in order to avoid the risk for potentially life-threatening complications.