Heritable disorders of connective tissue

Marfan's syndrome patient

Overview of Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue

Heritable disorders of connective tissue are a family of more than 200 conditions that affect tissues between cells that give tissues form and strength. All of these diseases are directly related to problems in genes that are responsible for building connective tissues.

Some other connective tissue problems are not directly linked to changes in tissue-building genes. Many, but not all, of the disorders are rare.

What happens in heritable disorders of connective tissue?

Some gene defects alter the proteins that make up connective tissue. This can alter normal function of connective tissue, which usually supports many parts of the body by:

• Bringing nutrients to the tissue.
• Giving tissue form and strength.
• Helping some of the tissues do their work.

Who Gets Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue?

If you have a heritable disorder of connective tissue, you inherited an altered gene either from one or from both parents. This defective gene affects functioning of connective tissues.

Heritable disorders of connective tissue can affect people of all racial and ethnic groups. All ages and both sexes are affected. Many of these disorders are rare. Some may not be seen at birth, but only appear after a certain age or after exposure to a particular environmental stress.

You are more likely to have the disease if someone in your family has had the disease, or if one of your parents have the gene for the disorder.

Types of Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Some common heritable disorders of connective tissue include:

• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can be caused by defects in several genes. In most cases, the gene defect involves collagen, the major protein-building material of bone. People with this syndrome have loose joints; fragile, small blood vessels; abnormal scar formation and wound healing; and soft skin that stretches excessively but returns to normal after being pulled. Some forms can cause problems with the eyes, spine, and internal organs.
• Epidermolysis bullosa affects the skin, causing it to blister easily. Some people may have just a few blisters on skin, whereas others may have many blisters. In some forms, blisters may form in the mouth, stomach, esophagus, bladder, and other parts of the body.
• Marfan syndrome is caused by a defect in the gene that produces a protein important to connective tissue. People with Marfan syndrome tend to have a tall, thin build with long arms and legs and “spider-like” fingers. Other problems include a sideways curve of the spine; crowded teeth; flat feet; abnormal position of the eye’s lens; and enlargement of the beginning part of the aorta, the major vessel carrying blood away from the heart.
• Osteogenesis imperfecta is caused by a defect in the gene that makes collagen. People with this disorder have fragile bones, low muscle mass, and loose joints and ligaments. Some people may have a blue or gray tint to the whites of the eyes, thin skin, growth deficiencies, and fragile teeth. A curved spine, breathing problems and hearing loss may also develop.

Symptoms of Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue

Ehler Danlos

Symptoms of heritable disorders of connective tissue can include:

• Bone growth problems: Bones can be brittle, too long, or too short.
• Joint issues: Joints can be too loose or too tight.
• Skin problems: Skin may be loose, hang in folds, or easily blister.
• Blood vessel damage: Blood vessels may be weak or become blocked.
• Height issues: You may be unusually tall or short.
• Head and facial structural problems: The head and face may look different from others.

Diagnosis of Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue

Your doctor may do the following to diagnose you with heritable disorders of connective tissue:

• Medical history to determine system and ask about family history of the disease.
• Physical examination.
• Laboratory tests to confirm the disease.

You may wish to seek genetic counseling if you wish to have a child. A genetic counselor can help you estimate the risk of having a child with the disease. The genetic counselor can also tell you about certain tests that:

• Determine if you have certain altered genes that could be passed to your children.
• Screen your newborn for the disease.
• Test your fetus early in pregnancy to look for an altered form of a gene.

Treatment of Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue

Heritable disorders of connective tissue are a wide range of disorders, each requiring a specific program for management and treatment. Treatments can include:

• Regular monitoring to assess tissue changes.
• Metabolic treatments such as:
  • Vitamin B6 to correct a liver enzyme problem.
  • Drugs to slow the widening of the aorta.
  • Drugs to strengthen brittle bones.

Living With Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue

Maintaining general health is important if you have a heritable disorder of connective tissue. You should talk to your doctor about a plan that includes:

• A nutritious diet.
• Exercise.
• Healthy lifestyle habits.

Rheumatologic diseases

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases

Rheumatology and	Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis	Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases	Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases	Behçet’s disease
Bursitis	Giant cell arteritis
Gout	Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems	Lupus
Osteoarthritis	Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis	Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis	Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome	Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis	Rheumatologic diseases

Heritable disorders of connective tissue Resources
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