Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders

Dr. Clair Francomano's presentation provides a comprehensive overview of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, detailing the clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and complex management required. She emphasized the 2017 reclassification of EDS into 13 types, highlighting the classical, vascular, and hypermobile types, which are the most common. Diagnostic criteria for the hypermobile type have been refined to focus on the syndromic nature, necessitating the combination of generalized joint hypermobility with systemic manifestations or a positive family history. Dr. Francomano discusses the genetic basis of various EDS types, emphasizing the importance of genetic testing for conditions like vascular EDS. She also covered management strategies, including physical therapy, pain management, and potential pharmacological interventions, advocating a multidisciplinary approach to address the diverse symptoms, from musculoskeletal to gastrointestinal and autonomic issues, often seen in EDS patients.