About Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
What are the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes?
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes or EDS are a group of heritable conditions caused by mutations in genes related to collagen production (Mamdani & Mankowitz, 2018).
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The condition affects the connective tissue in the body, most commonly leading to weakened skin, joints, and blood vessels, although other organs may also be affected (Mamdani & Mankowitz, 2018).
There are 14 recognized types of EDS, the most common of which are classical, hypermobility, and vascular type EDS (Malfait et al., 2020; Mamdani & Mankowitz, 2018).
Hair
Nail
Cartilage
Bone
Skin
Connective Tissue
(Dna break icon, n.d.)
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(Collagen Main Structural Protein Connective Tissues [Stock Illustration] 1188596128, n.d.)
Common Characteristics of EDS
The most common characteristics of all types of EDS are joints moving beyond the normal range of motion (joint hypermobility), skin that can be stretched more than what is considered normal (skin hyper-elasticity), frequent or easily occurring bruising, bleeding, delayed wound healing, and tissue fragility (especially in the gastrointestinal tract) (Mamdani & Mankowitz, 2018).
Joint hypermobility
(Zhang et al., 2019)
Skin
Hyper-elasticity
(Zhang et al., 2019)
Tissue Fragility
(Bowen et al., 2017)
Symptoms of EDS
The symptoms of EDS experienced can vary from person to person, being minor in some cases and major in others (Mamdani & Mankowitz, 2018). Just like every Zebra has a unique stripe pattern, the EDS experience is unique for each individual with EDS (The Ehlers-Danlos Society, n.d.).
(Free Png Zebra Clip Art Download , Page 2 - Pinclipart, n.d.)
Various complications may arise as a result of EDS including, but not limited to, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, spinal curving (kyphoscoliosis), dislocations, restrictive lung disease, aneurysms, tearing of artery lining (vascular dissections), dizziness and light-headedness (dysautonomia), and gastrointestinal ruptures (Mamdani & Mankowitz, 2018).
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Spinal Curving
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Dislocation
(Dislocated shoulder, n.d.)
Restrictive Lung Disease
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Aneurysm
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Dizziness
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Gastrointestinal Ruptures
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Gastrointestinal Abnormalities & Autonomic Dysfunction
Gastrointestinal complications may arise due to EDS, which result in changes within the digestive systems of affected individuals (Nelson et al., 2015). These commonly result in abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and heartburn (Nelson et al., 2015).
The conditions are diagnosed through assessing symptoms presented by an individual, as well as through the use of familial history and genetic testing (Nelson et al., 2015).
Globally, EDS is estimated to have an incidence of 1 in every 5000 births, with hypermobility type EDS being the most common subtype (Mamdani & Mankowitz, 2018).
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