Ehlers-Danlos syndrome associated with GI, cardiovascular symptoms

People with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) are more likely to experience gastrointestinal (GI), cardiovascular, immune, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction than hospitalized patients without EDS, according to a study.

Researchers analyzed 2007 cases of EDS and matched controls. GI conditions were found in 44% of patients with EDS and 18% of controls. Irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, and celiac disease were strongly associated with EDS. In 20% of patients with EDS, autonomic dysfunction was found compared to just 6% in controls. Food allergy and cardiovascular complications were more often to be found in patients with EDS and the association was high even after considering confounders. Patients with EDS were 76% more likely to have longer-than-average hospitalizations

The authors concluded that in the hospital setting, physicians should consider EDS in patients with unexplained GI, cardiovascular, autonomic, and allergic conditions.

Reference
Brooks RD, Grady J, Lowder TW, et al. Prevalence of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, autonomic, and allergic manifestations in hospitalized patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case-control study. Rheumatology. 2021;, keaa926, https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keaa926