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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders marked by extremely loose joints, hyperelastic skin that bruises easily, and easily damaged blood vessels.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are six major types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). A variety of different gene problems cause problems with collagen, the material that provides strength and structure to skin and bone tissue, blood vessels, and internal organs. (The syndrome sometimes involves rupture of internal organs.)

Family history is a risk factor in some cases.

• Review Date: 12/11/2006
• Reviewed By: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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