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Ehlers-Danlos Foundation of New Zealand
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Information Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic disorders which are all thought to result from defects in a collagen molecule which normally gives strength and adhesion to the tissues of the body. There are six major types of EDS, each are classified according to the symptoms that are manifested. The disorder often involves the skin which may be excessively extendible, fragile and/or bruise easily. The joints may be affected with or without skin problems, they are extremely loose which can lead to repeated dislocations and early degenerative osteoarthritis. The walls of the blood vessels, gut, uterus and the foetal membranes may be excessively fragile, sometimes with disastrous consequences. Healing of accidental and surgical wounds may be poor. Other problems can include prolapse of the heart's mitral valve, hernias, and various orthopaedic and dental problems. The severity with which each patient is affected is variable. Initially it was thought that Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome was rare however it is now believed it may affect 1 in 5,000 people. It can affect men and women of any race or ethnic group. Diagnosis of EDS is not always easy. Affected children who bruise easily may be wrongly diagnosed as physically abused and adults may be diagnosed as causing self-inflicted injury. The looseness underlying joint problems may be overlooked. Pain, for example from affected joints, may be wrongly attributed to psychological problems. Click here for further information Hypermobility Syndrome In hypermobile people the tendons and ligaments are lax leaving them more susceptible to injury. HMS can affect one or more joints and has been known to appear at different stages of life from childhood, puberty to adulthood. There is some thought that Hypermobility Syndrome may be Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobile Type (EDS III). Certainly it doesn't seem to cause the severe complications of the internal organs that are found in some types of EDS and the Marfan Syndrome. However, constant pain and fatigue are marked symptoms of this condition as in the other connective tissue disorders. |
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