Diagnosis and treatment of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes in China: synopsis of the first guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of rare hereditary connective tissue disorders. EDS is clinically and genetically heterogeneous and usually involves multiple systems. There are 14 subtypes of EDS with hallmark features including joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. The clinical manifestations and their severity differ among the subtypes, encompassing recurrent joint dislocations, scoliosis, arterial aneurysm and dissection, and organ rupture. Challenges in diagnosis and management arise from the complexity of the disease, which is further complicated by its rarity. The development of clinical guidelines and implementation of coordinated multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approaches have emerged as global priorities. MAIN BODY: Chinese Multi-Disciplinary Working Group on the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes was therefore established. Healthcare professionals were recruited from 25 top hospitals across China. The experts are specialized in 24 fields, including genetics, vascular surgery, dermatology, and orthopedics, as well as nursing care, rehabilitation, psychology, and nutrition. Based on GRADE methodology, the Guidelines were written by the Group supervised by methodologists, following a systemic review of all 4453 articles in PubMed published before August 9, 2023, using the search term "Ehlers Danlos". A coordinated MDT approach for the diagnosis and management of EDS is highly recommended by the Group, along with 29 specific recommendations addressing key clinical questions. In addition to the treatment plan, the Guidelines also emphasize integrating support from nursing care, rehabilitation, psychology, and nutrition. This integration not only facilitates recovery in hospital settings, but most importantly, the transition from an illness-defined life to a more "normalized" life. CONCLUSION: The first guidelines on EDS will shorten the diagnostic odyssey and solve the unmet medical needs of the patients. This article is a synopsis of the full guidelines.

Management of childbearing with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders: A scoping review and expert co-creation of evidence-based clinical guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: To co-create expert guidelines for the management of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery in the context of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). DESIGN: Scoping Review and Expert Co-creation. SETTING: United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, France, Sweden, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. SAMPLE: Co-creators (n = 15) included expertise from patients and clinicians from the International Consortium on the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, facilitated by the Ehlers-Danlos Society. METHODS: A scoping review using Embase, Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CINHAL was conducted from May 2022 to September 2023. Articles were included if they reported primary research findings in relation to childbearing with hEDS/HSD, including case reports. No language limitations were placed on our search, and our team had the ability to translate and screen articles retrieved in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Danish, German, and Portuguese. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess bias and quality appraise articles selected. The co-creation of guidelines was based on descriptive evidence synthesis along with practical and clinical experience supported by patient and public involvement activities. RESULTS: Primary research studies (n = 14) and case studies (n = 21) including a total of 1,260,317 participants informed the co-creation of guidelines in four overarching categories: 1) Preconceptual: conception and screening, 2) Antenatal: risk assessment, management of miscarriage and termination of pregnancy, gastrointestinal issues and mobility, 3) Intrapartum: risk assessment, birth choices (mode of birth and intended place of birth), mobility in labor and anesthesia, and 4) Postpartum: wound healing, pelvic health, care of the newborn and infant feeding. Guidelines were also included in relation to pain management, mental health, nutrition and the common co-morbidities of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, other forms of dysautonomia, and mast cell diseases. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited high quality evidence available. Individualized strategies are proposed for the management of childbearing people with hEDS/HSD throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. A multidisciplinary approach is advised to address frequently seen issues in this population such as tissue fragility, joint hypermobility, and pain, as well as common comorbidities, including dysautonomia and mast cell diseases.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Adolescents with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome/Hypermobile-Type Ehlers-Danlos: A Review.

Heavy menstrual bleeding has a high prevalence and is well documented in adult patients with hypermobile-type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but there is limited research surrounding work-up and treatment for the adolescent population. Excessive menstrual blood loss can significantly interfere with emotional and physical quality of life. A provider should acquire a comprehensive medical and menstrual history and focused physical examination, as well as baseline laboratory studies, to determine the presence of anemia or underlying bleeding disorder. Use of a pictorial blood assessment chart may be considered to help quantify the amount of bleeding. Treatment to reduce heavy menstrual flow and referral to specialty care should be initiated swiftly to improve quality of life for this population. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(3):e104-e108.].

The use and effectiveness of exercise for managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in young adults with joint hypermobility and related conditions: A scoping review.

PURPOSE: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia. It may occur in isolation, but frequently co-exists in individuals with hypermobile variants of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and related conditions (chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS] and fibromyalgia). Exercise is recommended for non-pharmacological POTS management but needs to be individualised. This scoping review explores the current literature on use and effectiveness of exercise-based management for POTS, with specific focus on individuals with joint hypermobility and related conditions who experience hypermobility, and/or pain, and/or fatigue. METHODS: A systematic search, to January 2023, of Medline, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and the Cochrane library was conducted. Studies that reported on adolescents and adults who had been diagnosed with POTS using standard criteria and underwent an exercise-based training intervention were included. RESULTS: Following full-text screening, 10 articles were identified (2 randomised control trials, 4 comparative studies and 4 case reports). One comparative study reported a small subset of participants with EDS and one case report included an individual diagnosed with CFS; the remainder investigated a wider POTS population. Overall, 3 months of endurance followed by resistance exercise, graduating from the horizontal-to-upright position reduced POTS symptoms and improved quality-of-life. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight a paucity of higher-level studies documenting exercise for POTS management in people with joint hypermobility and related conditions. Results from the wider POTS population demonstrate exercise is safe and effective. Large, well-designed clinical studies exploring exercise for POTS management adapting to meet the complex musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal features of symptomatic joint hypermobility are needed.

Mast cell activation and nutritional disorders in patients with hypermobility.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Individuals with joint hypermobility disorders are increasingly referred to gastroenterology services for support with the investigation and management of gastrointestinal complaints. Individuals can present with a myriad of complex coexisting diagnoses, the inter-relationship of which is unclear. This review discusses the proposed association between hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) with disorders of mast cell activation and provides an overview of gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional outcomes in this patient cohort. RECENT FINDINGS: It is unclear whether a true association between hEDS/HSD and mast cell activation disorders exists. There is a high prevalence of nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with hEDS/HSD and patients may be at risk of macro-nutrient and micro-nutrient deficiencies, although the current evidence base is limited. SUMMARY: We advocate a pragmatic approach to the investigation and management of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with hEDS/HSD. This centres on excluding organic pathology, discussing the overlap with disorders of gut-brain interactions, trialling evidence-based therapies targeting individual symptoms, and supporting nutritional deficiencies where present via the least invasive approach. Engagement with a broad multidisciplinary team is also important to support the holistic needs of this patient cohort.

Treating pain in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome : Multidisciplinary management of a multisystemic disease.

BACKGROUND: The clinical picture of people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) is complex and involves a variety of potential causes of pain. This poses major challenges to patients and healthcare professionals alike in terms of diagnosis and management of the condition. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article was to provide an overview of the specific pain management needs of patients with EDS and address their background. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A selective literature search was performed to highlight the current state of research on pain management in EDS patients. RESULTS: Affected patients require multimodal pain management considering their individual needs, disease-specific features, and comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Medical awareness and evidence need to be further improved to enhance the medical care situation of these patients with complex needs.

Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos hipermóvel: um relato de caso / Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case report

A síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos é estabelecida por distúrbios hereditários do tecido conjuntivo que tem como manifestações principais a hipermobilidade articular, a hiperextensibilidade da pele e a fragilidade de tecidos, como articulações, ligamentos, pele, vasos sanguíneos e órgãos internos. São reconhecidos 13 subtipos, de acordo com Classificação Internacional de 2017. Dentre estes, abordamos o hipermóvel, cujo diagnóstico é eminentemente clínico, com manifestações sistêmicas distintas. Esse artigo refere-se ao caso de uma paciente diagnosticada com síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos hipermóvel, tendo como intuito a atualização acerca dos novos critérios diagnósticos, assim como o diagnóstico precoce de tal raropatia.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is established through hereditary disorders of connective tissue, and has as its manifestations: joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and fragility of tissues such as joints, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. Thirteen subtypes have been recognized according to the 2017 International Classification. Among these, the hypermobile type, the diagnosis of which is eminently clinical, with distinct systemic manifestations, will be addressed. This article refers to the case of a patient diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, with the objective of updating the new diagnostic criteria, as well as the early diagnosis of such a rare disease.

Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos Clásico o Ehlers-Danlos tipo I - II / The Classic Ehlers-Danlos or Ehlers-Danlos type I - II

El Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos Clásico o Ehlers-Danlos tipo I - II, al igual que el Ehlers-Danlos Vascular son poco frecuentes, si se les compara con el tipo Hipermovible o tipo III, el que afecta al 39 por ciento de la población chilena. Es importante porque al tener marcada hiperlaxitud articular (contorsionistas) presenta subluxaciones importantes. Además, debido a la gran hiperextensibilidad de la piel, la que es muy frágil, tiene tendencia a heridas y a mala cicatrización. Al igual que los otros tipos de Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos, el Clásico puede tener Hábito Marfanoide o/y Disautonomía. Se puede presentar también con Osteopenia u Osteoporosis, hernias, várices, hemorroides y prolapso. Tiene herencia autosómica dominante y la alteración genética es conocida (COL5A1 o COL5A2).

The Classic Ehlers-Danlos or Ehlers Danlos type I - II, as the Vascular Ehlers-Danlos are infrequent, as compared with the Hypermobile or type III, that affects 39 percent of the chilean population. It is important because due to the marked joint hypermobility (contosionists) presents important subluxations. Also due to the important skin laxity, which is fragile it has tendency to injuries and poor cicatrization. As the other Ehlers-Danlos types, the Classic Ehlers-Danlos can present with Marfanoid habitus and or Dysautonomia. It also can have Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, hernias, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and prolapse. It has dominant Autosomic inheritance and the genetic alteration is known (COL5A1 or COL5A2).

Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos vascular: complicaciones vasculares graves en enfermos con hipermovilidad articular / Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: severe vascular complications in patients with articular hypermobility

El Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos Vascular es una de las Alteraciones Hereditarias del Tejido Conectivo. Es poco frecuente, pero es de alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Se debe a una mutación del gen COL3A1, que da debilidad del tejido colágeno, por lo que se pueden producir complicaciones graves afectando a la piel, tubo digestivo, hígado, pulmón y sistema vascular. Se pueden producir rupturas intestinales, neumotórax espontáneo, dilatación o ruptura aortica y anuerismas, lo que puede llevar a la muerte súbita del paciente.

The Vascular Ehlers-Danlos is one of Hereditary Diseases of Connective Tissue. Has low prevalence, but high morbidity and mortality. It is due to a COL3A1 gene mutation, producing tissue fragility, which can produce serious complications in the skin, digestive tract, liver, lungs and in the vascular system. It is frequently associated to intestinal ruptures, spontaneous pneumothorax, dilation or rupture of the aorta anuerism, which can lead to sudden death.

Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos Vascular (SEDV), antes llamado SED tipo IV / Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

El Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos Vascular (SEDV) es una enfermedad genética poco frecuente, pero que es necesario conocer, ya que puede causar complicaciones graves y a veces fatales. Se debe a una alteración del colágeno, que es el que forma la matriz de todos los tejidos, la que causa debilidad de las arterias, y tejidos de diferentes órganos y se caracteriza por hematomas frecuentes, aneurismas y rupturas arteriales, como también, rupturas del colon, del útero grávido y neumotórax espontáneo. Al igual que otros tipos de SED, el SEDV puede tener piel laxa, artralgias e hipermovilidad articular, pero ésta en menor grado. Ya que ésta es una enfermedad infrecuente y no bien conocida por los médicos, en la mayoría de los casos el diagnóstico no se hace sino cuando se produce una complicación severa. El conocer el diagnóstico con anterioridad puede salvar la vida del enfermo.

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS) is a rare but important genetic disease, since it can cause serious and even fatal complications. It is due to an alteration of the collagen that forms the matrix of all tissues. Its alteration causes weakness of arteries and tissues of different organs, and is characterized by frequent hematomas, arterial aneurisms and arterial ruptures, as well as damage to organs (colon rupture, uterine rupture during labor and spontaneous pneumothorax). Like other types of EDS, VEDS can have lax skin, arthralgias and, to a lesser degree, joint hypermobility. Since this is an infreSíndrome clquent disease and not well known by physicians, diagnosis in most cases is not made until a severe complication occurs. Knowing the diagnosis in advance can save the patient’s life.

Síndrome de Ehlers Danlos y anestesia: a propósito de un caso / Ehlers Danlos syndrome and anesthesic: to purpose of a case

El síndrome de Ehlers Danlos es una enfermedad hereditaria del tipo conjuntivo, caracterizado por hipermotilidad articular, hiperlasticidad cutánea y fragilidad diseminada de los tejidos del organismo. Los partos prematuros pueden ser complicación en mujeres con síndrome de Ehlers Danlos. La fragilidad de los tejidos de la madre pueden desarrollar e incrementar hemorragias antes, durante y después del nacimiento. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente de 35 años de edad, con embarazo a término en trabajo de parto, portadora de síndrome de Ehlers Danlos solicitada para cesárea de emergencia, a quien se realizó anestesia general endovenosa con inducción de secuencia rápida y mantenimiento con opiáceos benzodiazepinas utilizando ventilación mecánica. No evidenciándose alteraciones hemodinámicas ni ventilatorias, por lo que concluimos que esta técnica es adecuada para pacientes gestantes con síndrome de Ehlers Danlos sometidas a cesárea

Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos: relato de 3 casos de uma família através de nova mutaçäo / Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: report of 3 cases in a family through new mutation

Os autores descrevem três casos de síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos (SED) em uma família, considerados pela anamnese e heredograma como oriundos de mutaçao genética em um dos gametas que deram origem ao pai da probanda. Pesquisas laboratoriais revelam coagulograma com discreto aumento no tempo de protrombina em dois casos; teste de fragilidade capilar de Hess positivo nos três casos; biópsia de pele, estudada com a técnica de hematoxilina-eosina e Verhoeff, mostrando acantose irregular e aumento de fibras elásticas na derme. Discutindo as manifestaçoes clínicas, a transmissao hereditária, as complicaçoes e os exames complementares próprios dos 11 tipos descritos da SED, incluem os três novos casos no tipo II. Concluem ser necessário aconselhamento genético nessa doença rara, hereditária e de padrao autossômico dominante, e que nao há tratamento específico para a SED, mas é possível a expectativa de uma vida melhor, se nao houver outras patologias associadas a ela.