Causes

There are six major types and at least five minor types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).

A variety of gene mutations (changes) cause problems with collagen, the material that provides strength and structure to skin, bone, blood vessels, and internal organs.

The abnormal collagen leads to the symptoms associated with EDS. In some forms of the condition this can include rupture of internal organs or abnormal heart valves.

Family history is a risk factor in some cases.

Symptoms

Symptoms of EDS include:

• Double-jointedness
• Easily damaged, bruised, and stretchy skin
• Easy scarring and poor wound healing
• Flat feet
• Increased joint mobility, joints popping, early arthritis
• Joint dislocation
• Joint pain
• Premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy
• Very soft and velvety skin
• Vision problems

Exams and Tests

Examination by the health care provider may show:

• Deformed surface of the eye (cornea)
• Excess joint laxity and joint hypermobility
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Periodontitis
• Rupture of intestines, uterus, or eyeball (seen only in vascular EDS, which is rare)
• Soft, thin, or very stretchy (hyperextensible) skin

Tests performed to diagnose EDS include:

• Collagen typing (performed on a skin biopsy sample)
• Collagen gene mutation testing
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
• Lysyl hydroxylase or oxidase activity

Treatment

There is no specific cure for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Individual problems and symptoms are evaluated and cared for appropriately. Frequently, physical therapy or evaluation by a doctor specializing in rehabilitation medicine is needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

People with EDS generally have a normal life span. Intelligence is normal.

Those with the rare vascular type of EDS are at significantly increased risk for rupture of a major organ or blood vessel. These individuals, therefore, have a high risk of sudden death.

Possible Complications

Possible complications of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome include:

• Chronic joint pain
• Early-onset arthritis
• Failure of surgical wounds to close (or stitches tear out)
• Premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy
• Rupture of major vessels, including a ruptured aortic aneurysm (only in vascular EDS)
• Rupture of a hollow organ such as the uterus or bowel (only in vascular EDS)
• Rupture of the eyeball

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a family history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and you are concerned about your risk or are planning to start a family.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child have symptoms of EDS.

Prevention

Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with a family history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Those planning to start a family should be aware of the type of EDS they have and its mode of inheritance (how it is passed down to children). This can be determined through testing and evaluation suggested by your health care provider or genetic counselor.

Identifying any significant health risks may help prevent severe complications by vigilant screening and lifestyle alterations.

References

Pyeritz RE. Inherited diseases of connective tissue. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 281.

Krakow D. Heritable diseases of connective tissue. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris ED Jr, et al, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 96.

Updated: 4/7/2012

Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.