Friday, November 4, 2011

What does Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome have to do with MS?

When researchers, observers, and hypothesizers begin to make connections, it can become very interesting.  I recently came across listings for research studies which involve patients living with one of two disorders: multiple sclerosis and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. 

What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is the name given to a diverse group of inherited connective tissue disorders involving a genetic defect in collagen.  Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, characterized by joint hypermobility, skin extensibility and tissue fragility, can affect the skin, joints, and blood vessels.  The prevalence of EDS is estimated to be approximately 1 in 400,000 in the United States, but mild cases may be under diagnosed.  In comparison, prevalence of MS is estimated to be approximately 90 in 100,000 in the United States according to the Cleveland Clinic.

There are 11 variants of EDS which have been identified to date, each with differences in genetic, biochemical, and clinical presentation.  The specific collagen defect has been identified in only six of 11 variants or types of EDS.  Overlap between variants is common and more than one third of persons with EDS do not clearly fit into a single type.

Read this post in its entirety:

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and MS: Is there a connection?

5 comments:

  1. Never heard of this! Very interesting.

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  2. I wonder if there is a connection. I've never heard of it, and it is a genetic tested disease, which MS isn't. Maybe they will find some genetic type connection with MS?
    SOOOO much information. Yet not as much progress,
    Thanks for a very thought provoking post!!
    xxDaniella

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  3. very interesting...3 of my nieces have eds, my daughter (who also has crohn's...like my mother and brother, father of my nieces) I am wierdly flexible, but never evaluated for eds...have had joint issues in my hips particularly for many years. very interesting indeed. and a little scary for the younger generation in my family.

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  4. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013, my neurologist told me that if you have EDS you're 15% more likely to have MS and visa-versa. She cited some studies that I wish I had written down. But, I mean, I was blind at the time and had several dislocations from an extended stay in the hospital. So. Anyway, it HAS been documented somewhere! :)

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  5. EDS and MS http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449394/

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