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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffMost people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome live a relatively normal life, although there may be restrictions to physical activity. EDS doesn't affect your intelligence.
Signs and symptoms of EDS vary widely in severity, ranging from mild to severe. Complications often depend on your individual situation, but some common ones include:
- Prominent scarring
- Difficulty with surgical wounds — stitches may tear out, or healing may be incomplete
- Chronic joint pain
- Joint dislocation
- Early-onset arthritis
- Premature aging with sun exposure
People with vascular type EDS are at risk of serious complications, including rupture of major blood vessels or organs, such as the intestines or uterus. These complications can be fatal. About one in four people with vascular type EDS develop a significant health problem by age 20 and more than 80 percent develop complications by age 40. The median age of death is 48 years.
Having kyphoscoliosis type places you at increased risk of eye problems. You may need to be monitored by an eye specialist, ideally one who has experience with EDS complications.
Some people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is generally treated with prescription medications to increase bone density. Specific physical therapy exercises may help, too.
Pregnancy and EDS
If you're pregnant and have EDS, there's a risk of premature delivery. If your baby has EDS, there's a risk of premature rupture of the membranes surrounding the baby. In either case, there's also a risk of excessive bleeding.
Your doctor will probably suggest monitoring your pregnancy closely for any signs of complications. In some cases, your doctor may advise you against becoming pregnant because of the high risk of complications, such as bleeding or organ rupture.
