SELF-REPORTED DEMOGRAPHICS OF 154 HYPERMOBILE EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME PATIENTS.

Abstract

Abstract: Demographic data for patients with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) has not been well established. hEDS patients often present with a constellation of symptoms; it is important to update clinical criteria for diagnosis and provide a framework for common co-morbidities. The primary objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of co-morbidities in hEDS patients to allow clinicians to better identify patients and their most common symptoms. The goal is to use this information to augment diagnostic and clinical demographic data to more accurately represent hEDS patients. This retrospective chart review utilized patient intake forms from 154 patients diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in a clinic. Patient intake forms included responses to questions about the presence of various current and previous conditions. Our study revealed numerous co-morbidities with increased prevalence that differed from the current diagnostic criteria including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, anxiety, depression, Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, headaches, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. These findings will help inform clinicians of prevalent co-morbidities among hEDS patients and encourage further evaluation for screening and diagnosis. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome patients presented with a wide range of co-morbidities not listed on current clinical criteria. Future studies are warranted across diverse and larger patient populations and beyond self-reported data.