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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffEhlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is uncommon.
In Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, genetic mutations disrupt the production of collagen, a chief component of connective tissue. Doctors have identified several types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with varying symptoms, but all types affect your joints, and most affect your skin.
Prominent signs and symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome include stretchy, fragile skin and flexible joints that extend beyond the normal range of movement. It's possible to have very flexible, or "double" joints. This isn't the same as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Complications of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may limit your physical activities. The syndrome does not affect mental function.
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- Whitelaw SE. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, classical type: Case management. Dermatology Nursing. 2004;16:433.
- Sheon RP. Clinical manifestations and treatment of the hypermobility syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 27, 2010.
- Tong I. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/188281291-3/965853179/2088/208.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00014-9--sc0025_4217. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
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- Voermans NC, et al. Neuromuscular involvement in various types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Annals of Neurology. 2009;65:687.
- Krakow D. Heritable diseases of connective tissue. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/188281291-3/965853179/1807/728.html. Accessed March 10, 2010
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