Study Points Towards Increased Awareness of GI Complications in Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility Syndrome
September 30, 2024
A recent study led by Vibha Sood, MD, from the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, examined the intersection of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in pediatric and young adult patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/joint hypermobility syndrome (hEDS/JHS). The study was published in July 2024 in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (JPGN).
Dr. Sood is an associate professor of Pediatrics and director of the Motility Center at UPMC Children's.
Overview/Main Findings
This retrospective, single-center study examined data from 435 patients with hEDS/JHS between the ages of 5 and 28 years to investigate the prevalence of various GI disorders or complications in this group.
"Our analysis revealed a significant occurrence of GI issues in this patient population," says Dr Sood. "This indicates the potential benefit of more regular screening for GI issues in patients with hEDS/JHS."
Dr. Sood and colleagues observed a higher prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and celiac disease in pediatric patients with hEDS/JHS compared to the general population. However, celiac disease was less common than in adults with hEDS. Constipation and dysphagia were the most reported symptoms, and there was a notable association between dysphagia and EoE.
"The reasons behind the increased prevalence of GI issues in this population with hEDS/JHS are unknown,” says Dr. Sood. “Further research is needed to uncover this. However, if we can screen, identify, and actively treat GI issues in these patients, we may see improved outcomes."
Reference
Sood V, Kaul A, El-Chammas K, Mukkada VA, Sun Q, Fei L, Santucci NR. High Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Disorders in a Large Cohort of Patients with Joint Hypermobility. JPGN. 2024; 79(1): 42-47.
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