Lam C, Amarasinghe G, Zarate-Lopez N, Fikree A, Byrne P, Kiani-Alikhan S, Gabe S, Paine P. Gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional issues in patients with hypermobility disorders: assessment, diagnosis and management.
Frontline Gastroenterol 2022;
14:68-77. [PMID:
36561778 PMCID:
PMC9763642 DOI:
10.1136/flgastro-2022-102088]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobile spectrum disorders are increasingly presenting to secondary and tertiary care centres with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and nutritional issues. Due to the absence of specific guidance, these patients are investigated, diagnosed and managed heterogeneously, resulting in a growing concern that they are at increased risk of iatrogenic harm. This review aims to collate the evidence for the causes of GI symptoms, nutritional issues and associated conditions as well as the burden of polypharmacy in this group of patients. We also describe evidence-based strategies for management, with an emphasis on reducing the risk of iatrogenic harm and improving multidisciplinary team care.
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