Doolan BJ, Lavallee ME, Hausser I, Schubart JR, Michael Pope F, Seneviratne SL, Winship IM, Burrows NP. Extracutaneous features and complications of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: A systematic review.
Front Med (Lausanne) 2023;
10:1053466. [PMID:
36756177 PMCID:
PMC9899794 DOI:
10.3389/fmed.2023.1053466]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) comprise a group of inherited connective tissue disorders presenting with variable fragility to skin, soft tissue, and certain internal organs, which can cause significant complications, particularly arterial rupture, bowel perforation and joint difficulties. Currently, there are 14 proposed subtypes of EDS, with all except one subtype (hypermobile EDS) having an identified genetic etiology. An understanding of the extracutaneous features and complications within each subtype is key to maximizing clinical care and reducing the risk of further complications.
Methods
A systematic review of EDS-related extracutaneous features and complications was undertaken.
Results
We identified 839 EDS cases that met the inclusion criteria. We noted a high prevalence of joint hypermobility amongst kyphoscoliotic (39/39, 100%), spondylodysplastic (24/25, 96.0%), and hypermobile (153/160, 95.6%) EDS subtypes. The most common musculoskeletal complications were decreased bone density (39/43, 90.7%), joint pain (217/270, 80.4%), and hypotonia/weakness (79/140, 56.4%). Vascular EDS presented with cerebrovascular events (25/153, 16.3%), aneurysm (77/245, 31.4%), arterial dissection/rupture (89/250, 35.5%), and pneumothorax/hemothorax. Chronic pain was the most common miscellaneous complication, disproportionately affecting hypermobile EDS patients (139/157, 88.5%). Hypermobile EDS cases also presented with chronic fatigue (61/63, 96.8%) and gastrointestinal complications (57/63, 90.5%). Neuropsychiatric complications were noted in almost all subtypes.
Discussion
Understanding the extracutaneous features and complications of each EDS subtype may help diagnose and treat EDS prior to the development of substantial comorbidities and/or additional complications.
Systematic review registration
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022308151, identifier CRD42022308151.
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