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Pezaro S, Brock I, Buckley M, Callaway S, Demirdas S, Hakim A, Harris C, High Gross C, Karanfil M, Le Ray I, McGillis L, Nasar B, Russo M, Ryan L, Blagowidow N. Management of childbearing with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders: A scoping review and expert co-creation of evidence-based clinical guidelines. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302401. [PMID: 38748660 PMCID: PMC11095771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To co-create expert guidelines for the management of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery in the context of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). DESIGN Scoping Review and Expert Co-creation. SETTING United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, France, Sweden, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. SAMPLE Co-creators (n = 15) included expertise from patients and clinicians from the International Consortium on the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, facilitated by the Ehlers-Danlos Society. METHODS A scoping review using Embase, Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CINHAL was conducted from May 2022 to September 2023. Articles were included if they reported primary research findings in relation to childbearing with hEDS/HSD, including case reports. No language limitations were placed on our search, and our team had the ability to translate and screen articles retrieved in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Danish, German, and Portuguese. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess bias and quality appraise articles selected. The co-creation of guidelines was based on descriptive evidence synthesis along with practical and clinical experience supported by patient and public involvement activities. RESULTS Primary research studies (n = 14) and case studies (n = 21) including a total of 1,260,317 participants informed the co-creation of guidelines in four overarching categories: 1) Preconceptual: conception and screening, 2) Antenatal: risk assessment, management of miscarriage and termination of pregnancy, gastrointestinal issues and mobility, 3) Intrapartum: risk assessment, birth choices (mode of birth and intended place of birth), mobility in labor and anesthesia, and 4) Postpartum: wound healing, pelvic health, care of the newborn and infant feeding. Guidelines were also included in relation to pain management, mental health, nutrition and the common co-morbidities of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, other forms of dysautonomia, and mast cell diseases. CONCLUSIONS There is limited high quality evidence available. Individualized strategies are proposed for the management of childbearing people with hEDS/HSD throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. A multidisciplinary approach is advised to address frequently seen issues in this population such as tissue fragility, joint hypermobility, and pain, as well as common comorbidities, including dysautonomia and mast cell diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Pezaro
- Research Centre for Healthcare and Communities, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
- The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Australia
| | - Isabelle Brock
- Department of Connective Tissue, Nova Combian Research Institute, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Maggie Buckley
- The Ehlers Danlos Society’s International Consortium, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sarahann Callaway
- Main Line Health- Bryn Mawr Rehab, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Serwet Demirdas
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alan Hakim
- The Ehlers-Danlos Society, The Ehlers-Danlos Society – Europe, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl Harris
- Harris Whole Health, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carole High Gross
- Lehigh Valley Health Network, Palmer, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Megan Karanfil
- The International Consortium on the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, The Herds Nerd, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Isabelle Le Ray
- Integrative Systemic Medicine Center, Boulogne-Billancourt and Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura McGillis
- GoodHope EDS Program, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bonnie Nasar
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Ridgewood, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Melissa Russo
- Women and Infants Hospital, An Affiliate of Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University in Providence, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Lorna Ryan
- Lorna Ryan Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Blagowidow
- Harvey Institute for Human Genetics, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Glayzer JE, Bray BC, Kobak WH, Steffen AD, Schlaeger JM. Lack of Diversity in Research on Females with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: Recruitment Protocol for a Quantitative Online Survey. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e53646. [PMID: 38696252 PMCID: PMC11099804 DOI: 10.2196/53646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of connective tissue disorders caused by fragile lax collagen. Current EDS research lacks racial and ethnic diversity. The lack of diversity may be associated with the complexities of conducting a large international study on an underdiagnosed condition and a lack of EDS health care providers who diagnose and conduct research outside of the United States and Europe. Social media may be the key to recruiting a large diverse EDS sample. However, studies that have used social media to recruit have not been able to recruit diverse samples. OBJECTIVE This study aims to discuss challenges, strategies, outcomes, and lessons learned from using social media to recruit a large sample of females with EDS. METHODS Recruitment on social media for a cross-sectional survey examining dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) in females was examined. Inclusion criteria were (1) older than 18 years of age, (2) assigned female at birth, and (3) diagnosed with EDS. Recruitment took place on Facebook and Twitter (now X), from June 1 to June 25, 2019. RESULTS A total of 1178 females with EDS were recruited from Facebook (n=1174) and X (n=4). On Facebook, participants were recruited via support groups. A total of 166 EDS support groups were identified, 104 permitted the principal investigator to join, 90 approved posting, and the survey was posted in 54 groups. Among them, 30 of the support groups posted in were globally focused and not tied to any specific country or region, 21 were for people in the United States, and 3 were for people outside of the United States. Recruitment materials were posted on X with the hashtag #EDS. A total of 1599 people accessed the survey and 1178 people were eligible and consented. The average age of participants was 38.6 (SD 11.7) years. Participants were predominantly White (n=1063, 93%) and non-Hispanic (n=1046, 92%). Participants were recruited from 29 countries, with 900 (79%) from the United States and 124 (11%) from Great Britain. CONCLUSIONS Our recruitment method was successful at recruiting a large sample. The sample was predominantly White and from North America and Europe. More research needs to be conducted on how to recruit a diverse sample. Areas to investigate may include connecting with more support groups from outside the United States and Europe, researching which platforms are popular in different countries, and translating study materials into different languages. A larger obstacle to recruiting diverse samples may be the lack of health care providers that diagnose EDS outside the United States and Europe, making the pool of potential participants small. There needs to be more health care providers that diagnose and treat EDS in countries that are predominantly made up of people of color as well as research that specifically focuses on these populations. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/53646.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Glayzer
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Bethany C Bray
- Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - William H Kobak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alana D Steffen
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Judith M Schlaeger
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Blitshteyn S, Lange A, Corinaldi C, Guy P, Brook J. Sexual Dysfunction in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): A Cross-Sectional, Case-Control Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2274. [PMID: 38673548 PMCID: PMC11050785 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: We aimed to determine whether patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) have sexual dysfunction compared to age-matched healthy controls. Methods: Utilizing online COMPASS-31 to evaluate dysautonomia symptom severity, Beck's Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDII), Female Sexual Function (FSF), and International Index of Erection Function (IIEF) questionnaires, we compared sexual function scores in patients with POTS to scores obtained from sex- and age-matched healthy controls via a cross-sectional case-control study. Results: A total of 160 women with POTS, mean age 30.2 ± 7.9 (range 21-50 years), had lower FSF scores than 62 healthy age-matched female controls. IIEF scores in 29 male patients with POTS with a mean age of 30.1 ± 6.0 (range 21-47) were significantly lower than in 27 healthy age-matched male controls. Female POTS patients had significantly lower scores in the sub-domains of desire, arousal, and satisfaction, while male POTS patients had significantly lower scores in erectile and orgasmic function, desire, and satisfaction than healthy controls. Predictive factors of sexual dysfunction were depression in women and age in men. The severity of autonomic symptoms correlated with sexual dysfunction in women, but this effect disappeared after controlling for depression. Conclusions: Compared to healthy controls, women and men with POTS have significant sexual dysfunction, which needs to be considered in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches as part of comprehensive patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Blitshteyn
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Dysautonomia Clinic, Williamsville, NY 14221, USA
| | - Anna Lange
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Chelsea Corinaldi
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Paige Guy
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Jill Brook
- Dysautonomia Clinic, Williamsville, NY 14221, USA
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Smith SJ, Sichlau MJ, Smith BH, Knight DR, Chen B, Rowe PC. Improvement in chronic pelvic pain, orthostatic intolerance and interstitial cystitis symptoms after treatment of pelvic vein insufficiency. Phlebology 2024; 39:202-213. [PMID: 38050791 DOI: 10.1177/02683555231219737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Comorbidities associated with venous origin chronic pelvic pain (VO-CPP) were evaluated pre and post venous treatment to assess change. MATERIALS AND METHODS 45 women with VO-CPP were treated with venous stenting and/or embolization. Four surveys assessed symptoms pre- and post-treatment: IPPS (chronic pelvic pain), PUF (interstitial cystitis), OHQ (dysautonomia), and modified ROME III (IBS). Prevalence of joint hypermobility was investigated. RESULTS Ages were 18-65. Pretreatment, 64% and 49% of women were in the severe range for PUF and OHQ, respectively. 40% and 56% met criteria for IBS and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (EDS/HSD), respectively. 17eceived an iliac stent, 5 pelvic embolization, and 23 both. Post-treatment, average scores improved: IPPS (by 55%), PUF (34%), and OHQ (49%). Rome III improved only slightly. CONCLUSION Pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, and dysautonomia were frequently found with VO-CPP and improved after venous treatment. EDS/HSD and IBS were common in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Smith
- Vascular and Interventional Professionals, LLC, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael J Sichlau
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Vascular and Interventional Professionals, Hinsdale, IL, USA
| | - B Holly Smith
- Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dacre Rt Knight
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Brenda Chen
- Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Peter C Rowe
- The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Börsch N, Mücke M, Maier A, Conrad R, Pantel JT, Sellin J, Mani K, Chopra P. Treating pain in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome : Multidisciplinary management of a multisystemic disease. Schmerz 2024; 38:12-18. [PMID: 38189943 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00778-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical picture of people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) is complex and involves a variety of potential causes of pain. This poses major challenges to patients and healthcare professionals alike in terms of diagnosis and management of the condition. OBJECTIVES The aim of the article was to provide an overview of the specific pain management needs of patients with EDS and address their background. MATERIAL AND METHODS A selective literature search was performed to highlight the current state of research on pain management in EDS patients. RESULTS Affected patients require multimodal pain management considering their individual needs, disease-specific features, and comorbidities. CONCLUSION Medical awareness and evidence need to be further improved to enhance the medical care situation of these patients with complex needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Börsch
- Institute for Digitalization and General Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
- Center for Rare Diseases (ZSEA), Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Martin Mücke
- Institute for Digitalization and General Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases (ZSEA), Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Maier
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rupert Conrad
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jean Tori Pantel
- Institute for Digitalization and General Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases (ZSEA), Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Sellin
- Institute for Digitalization and General Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases (ZSEA), Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kyros Mani
- Institute for Digitalization and General Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases (ZSEA), Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pradeep Chopra
- Center for Complex Conditions, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
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Anderson LK, Lane KR. Clinical trajectory of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/hypermobility spectrum disorders in older adults. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2023; 35:605-612. [PMID: 37261967 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder (hEDS/HSD) has described its natural history and clinical course in children, adolescents, and young to middle-aged adults. However, more research is needed on the clinical trajectory of hEDS/HSD into older age. Therefore, clinicians, including nurse practitioners, know little about identifying older adults with undiagnosed hEDS/HSD. OBJECTIVE This review sought to identify studies regarding aging in hEDS/HSD. DATA SOURCES This scoping review included PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus and found 15 studies that mentioned age or aging on the symptoms and health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS No study had a stated aim regarding aging in hEDS/HSD, but all studies corroborated earlier natural history studies describing the age-related trajectory of manifestations in younger people. Studies found that symptom progression was heterogeneous, multisystemic, and unpredictable. Studies also noted prolonged diagnosis delays and long symptom duration, but the impact of these factors on outcomes was unclear. The high variability in patient outcomes precludes the prediction of outcomes based on the included studies. The clinical impact of aging on hEDS/HSD remains mostly speculative. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nurse practitioners, especially those in primary care, should consider that older adults presenting with multimorbidity may have undiagnosed hEDS/HSD. More research is needed to identify symptom patterns and clinical history that may suggest an underlying connective tissue disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda K Anderson
- University of Missouri, Sinclair School of Nursing, Columbia, Missouri
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Pollack B, von Saltza E, McCorkell L, Santos L, Hultman A, Cohen AK, Soares L. Female reproductive health impacts of Long COVID and associated illnesses including ME/CFS, POTS, and connective tissue disorders: a literature review. Front Rehabil Sci 2023; 4:1122673. [PMID: 37234076 PMCID: PMC10208411 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1122673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID disproportionately affects premenopausal women, but relatively few studies have examined Long COVID's impact on female reproductive health. We conduct a review of the literature documenting the female reproductive health impacts of Long COVID which may include disruptions to the menstrual cycle, gonadal function, ovarian sufficiency, menopause, and fertility, as well as symptom exacerbation around menstruation. Given limited research, we also review the reproductive health impacts of overlapping and associated illnesses including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and endometriosis, as these illnesses may help to elucidate reproductive health conditions in Long COVID. These associated illnesses, whose patients are 70%-80% women, have increased rates of dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, dyspareunia, endometriosis, infertility, vulvodynia, intermenstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and bleeding, pelvic congestion syndrome, gynecological surgeries, and adverse pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, maternal mortality, and premature birth. Additionally, in Long COVID and associated illnesses, symptoms can be impacted by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. We propose priorities for future research and reproductive healthcare in Long COVID based on a review of the literature. These include screening Long COVID patients for comorbid and associated conditions; studying the impacts of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause on symptoms and illness progression; uncovering the role of sex differences and sex hormones in Long COVID and associated illnesses; and addressing historical research and healthcare inequities that have contributed to detrimental knowledge gaps for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Pollack
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Lisa McCorkell
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Lucia Santos
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ashley Hultman
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alison K. Cohen
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Letícia Soares
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
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Gunter C, Solomon BD. Whither social media and clinical genetics? Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:1489-1491. [PMID: 36863700 PMCID: PMC10175227 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Social media has become ubiquitous in daily life, and increasingly impacts medical and scientific fields, including related to clinical genetics. Recent events have led to questions about the use of certain social media platforms, as well as social media more generally. We discuss these considerations, including alternative and emerging platforms that can offer forums for the clinical genetics and related communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Gunter
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Benjamin D Solomon
- National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Kciuk O, Li Q, Huszti E, McDermott CD. Pelvic floor symptoms in cisgender women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: an international survey study. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:473-483. [PMID: 35751670 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05273-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders associated with abnormal collagen, and is more prevalent in women than in men. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to characterize pelvic floor symptoms in cisgender women with EDS and to describe their impact on quality of life. METHODS An online questionnaire on obstetric and gynecological experiences of cisgender women with EDS was disseminated through EDS patient societies and social media. This study was a sub-analysis of the broader questionnaire and focused on pelvic floor disorders, whereby self-reported symptoms and validated questionnaires were used to assess pelvic floor symptom severity (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, PFDI-20), impact on quality of life (Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, PFIQ-7), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI-6). Groups based on age and EDS type were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared tests. RESULTS A total of 1,303 participants were included in the analysis. Pelvic floor symptom prevalence included: stress urinary incontinence in 60%, urgency urinary incontinence in 54%, fecal incontinence in 24%, and pelvic organ prolapse in 21%. Bladder symptoms were reported to be the most bothersome. The impact of prolapse symptoms on quality of life was higher in women under age 40 than in older participants (p<0.001). Pelvic pain was reported in 71%. Pain ratings were highest for dysmenorrhea, muscle and joint pain, and backache (median 7 out of 10 for each). Almost half of participants screened positive for possible sexual dysfunction and 36% reported dyspareunia more than half the time. CONCLUSIONS This large, observational study demonstrated that cisgender women with EDS report a high prevalence of pelvic floor symptoms that appear to be more severe than in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kciuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Qixuan Li
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ella Huszti
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Colleen D McDermott
- Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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10
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Smith SJ, Sichlau M, Sewall LE, Smith BH, Chen B, Khurana N, Rowe PC. An online survey of pelvic congestion support group members regarding comorbid symptoms and syndromes. Phlebology 2022; 37:596-601. [PMID: 35831253 DOI: 10.1177/02683555221112567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Patients with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) often report overlapping somatic symptoms and syndromes. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of co-existing symptoms and self-reported syndrome diagnoses among women with PCS and to inform future research hypotheses. Methods A brief online survey was offered to members of a PCS support group website. Responses were assessed for self-reported co-existing symptoms and formal diagnoses, including: chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, postural tachycardia syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, interstitial cystitis, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Results Of a total of 6000 members, there were 398 respondents; 232 (59%) had not yet been treated for PCS. Among these, the most prevalent co-existing symptoms were as follows: severe fatigue (72%), dizziness (63%), IBS symptoms (61%), brain fog (33%), migraines (49%), polyuria or dysuria (41%), excessive sweating (31%), TMJ pain (31%), and loose skin or lax joints (18%). These are much higher than reported for the general female population. The most commonly self-reported comorbid syndrome diagnoses for the overall group of 398 were: irritable bowel syndrome (29%), fibromyalgia (13%), spinal nerve problems (18%), interstitial cystitis (10%), postural tachycardia syndrome (9%), hypertension (11%), chronic fatigue syndrome (10%), and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (6%). Other than with hypertension, these rates are variably higher than in the general population. Conclusion Several self-reported co-existing symptoms and syndromes are more prevalent in members of a PCS support group relative to the reported prevalence in the general population. More formal investigation is warranted to evaluate this finding and to investigate potential etiologic links. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome appears to be common in self identifying PCS women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Smith
- Vascular and Interventional Professionals, LLC, Hinsdale, IL, USA
| | - Michael Sichlau
- Vascular and Interventional Professionals, LLC, Hinsdale, IL, USA
| | - Luke E Sewall
- Vascular and Interventional Professionals, LLC, Hinsdale, IL, USA
| | - B Holly Smith
- Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brenda Chen
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neal Khurana
- Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Siouxland, Dakota Dunes, ND, USA
| | - Peter C Rowe
- Dept of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Robbins K. The Underrecognized Conditions of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders in Women. Nurs Womens Health 2022; 26:174-183. [PMID: 35533735 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders are conditions that disproportionately affect women and can result in morbidity, disability, and a poorer quality of life. These conditions are often not recognized by health care professionals, leading to significant delays in diagnosis, especially in women. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders are known as complex, multisystemic conditions that are frequently comorbid with autonomic dysfunction, mast cell activation syndrome, and autism. Education of health care professionals, including nurses, on these conditions could lead to earlier diagnosis, with improved management and thus better outcomes for those affected by these conditions.
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