Ehlers–Danlos syndromes

Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of genetic disorders that affect the connective tissues that support the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. Defects in these tissues can lead to a variety of medical problems, ranging from mildly loose joints to life-threatening complications.

Etymology

The name Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is derived from two physicians, Edvard Ehlers and Henri-Alexandre Danlos, who first described this condition at the turn of the 20th century.

Types

There are several types of EDS, each with its own set of symptoms and complications. These include:

• Hypermobile EDS (hEDS)
• Classical EDS (cEDS)
• Vascular EDS (vEDS)
• Kyphoscoliotic EDS (kEDS)
• Arthrochalasia EDS (aEDS)
• Dermatosparaxis EDS (dEDS)

Symptoms

Common symptoms of EDS include:

• Joint hypermobility
• Stretchy skin
• Fragile skin that bruises or tears easily
• Slow and poor wound healing
• Development of scars that split open with little bleeding

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of EDS is typically based on clinical evaluation and family history. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis in some cases.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for EDS. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

See also

• Marfan syndrome
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
• Stickler syndrome

References

Ehlers–Danlos syndromes Resources
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