Gastrointestinal Concerns in HSD and EDS - Dr. Laura Pace - 2022

In this presentation, Dr. Laura A. Pace discusses gastrointestinal (GI) concerns in patients with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), suggesting that many issues may stem from neuroimmune axis disorders. She emphasizes the integration of the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems in maintaining physiological homeostasis. Dr. Pace explains the role of the enteric nervous system and gut microbiota in influencing GI function and highlights how abnormalities in these systems can contribute to symptoms in connective tissue disorders. Further, she advocates for a systems biology approach to improve diagnostics and therapeutics, arguing against the fragmentation seen in traditional specialties. Advanced diagnostic tools like endoscopic biopsies and confocal laser endomicroscopy can provide deeper insights into pathophysiology, potentially leading to more effective treatments beyond symptomatic management.