Upper airway obstruction in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Laryngological Complaint Prevalence in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to study laryngological complaints in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD).

METHODS

A total of 363 patients met inclusion for the study by completing questions related to voice, upper airway, and swallowing between July 7, 2020 and July 13, 2022. Demographic data, voice-related questions, and hypermobility diagnosis were analyzed retrospectively. From those, 289 patients were diagnosed with hEDS or HSD with 74 that did not meet the diagnostic criteria for either diagnosis serving as controls.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between patients with hEDS and HSD regarding Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) scores, voice, upper airway, or swallow complaints. However, more hEDS/HSD patients answered positively to the laryngeal dysfunction question versus controls (p = 0.031). 22.5% of hEDS/HSD patients (n = 65) reported hoarseness, of which 52.3% reported hoarseness >2 days/month. 33.9% (n = 98) with hEDS/HSD reported symptoms of dysphagia, and 27.0% (n = 78) reported laryngeal dysfunction symptoms. Controls demonstrated 20.3% prevalence of hoarseness, of which 46.7% reported hoarseness >2 days/month. 24.3% of controls had dysphagia and 14.9% laryngeal dysfunction symptoms. Of the 363 patients, VHI-10 scores >11 were more likely in patients reporting >2 days of hoarseness/month (p = 0.001) versus those with <2 days of hoarseness/month. There was an increased prevalence of voice, upper airway, and dysphagia symptoms in hEDS/HSD patients compared with previously reported prevalence data in the general population.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of patients diagnosed with hypermobility due to hEDS or HSD were found to have voice, upper airway, and dysphagia symptoms. These rates are higher than those previously reported in the general population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 134:773-778, 2024.

[Respiratory manifestations of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes]

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) represent a heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders characterized by the clinical "triad" consisting in joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility. Respiratory manifestations associated with EDS are frequent and variable. They vary mainly according to the type of EDS. In hypermobile and classical EDS, the most frequent non-vascular types, dyspnea is a common symptom. Its etiologies are wide-ranging and can coexist in the same patient: asthma, respiratory muscle weakness, chest wall abnormalities, upper and lower airway collapse. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in nvEDS is high. Identification of the relevant dyspnea mechanism is essential to providing appropriate therapeutic measures. In vascular EDS (vEDS), the main pulmonary complications are pneumothorax, hemothorax and hemoptysis. As they frequently precede the diagnosis of vEDS by several years, it is imperative to raise the possibility of vEDS in a young patient with spontaneous pneumothorax or hemothorax. The presence of suggestive computed tomography parenchymal abnormalities (emphysema, clusters of calcified nodules, cavitated nodule) can be an aid to diagnosis. Treatment is based on the usual approaches, which must be carried out with caution by an experienced operator fully informed of the diagnosis. Better knowledge of respiratory manifestations of EDS by the pneumological community would improve patient care and pave the way for further research.

'I Have Had to Stop Singing Because I Can't Take the Pain': Experiences of Voice, Ability, and Loss in Singers With Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the voice experience, singing ability, and wellbeing of singers diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (h-EDS).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a mixed-method study. A purposive sampling strategy was used. Data were collected via an online survey, using written closed and open-ended questions.

METHODS

276 adults completed the survey. This study focuses on a subset of professionally-trained singers (n=71). Responses elicited information about participants' voice health and function, symptoms of hypermobility, singing experiences and training. Data were analysed using template analysis.

RESULTS

Many participants reported wide vocal ranges and enjoyment of singing but 74.6% of participants across all age groups (18-60 years) experienced voice difficulties. Three common themes were identified: (1) 'My unreliable voice': The ups and downs; (2) Wider effects of HSD/h-EDS on singers, and (3) Need for acknowledgment and support.

CONCLUSIONS

Voice difficulties and hypermobility-related health conditions affected the participants' abilities to sing and perform; this impacted their professional and personal opportunities, communication, relationships, and wellbeing. Our results indicate that symptoms of voice disorder worsen over time. We suggest practical strategies that singers and training providers could implement to support hypermobile singers. More research is needed to fully understand voice difficulties in singers with HSD/H-EDS and to inform tuition and support.

Throat and voice problems in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders

A small number of case reports and observational studies describe chronic nasal congestion, upper airway obstruction, dysphonia, vocal cord abnormalities, and swallowing abnormalities in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Little is known of the causes and therefore treatments of these, yet they are not uncommon findings in persons with hypermobility-related conditions presenting in the healthcare setting. We have a specialist multidisciplinary ear, nose, and throat and speech therapy practice with accumulating observational and empirical experience of managing these conditions, which include altered voice, choking, high dysphagia and anterior and deep neck pains. Here, we present our experience, some illustrative cases, and suggestions for future work in this evolving field.

A case-control study of respiratory medication and co-occurring gastrointestinal prescription burden among persons with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes

We previously reported increased pain and gastrointestinal (GI) medication prescription claims among persons with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and peripubertal increase in opioid and anti-emetic claims among women with EDS. Herein, we hypothesized a higher proportion of respiratory and co-occurring respiratory and GI medication prescription claims among persons with EDS compared to their matched controls with increases among peripubertal women with EDS. We compared the proportions of respiratory and co-occurring respiratory and GI medication prescription claims among persons with EDS (aged 5-62) against their age-, sex-, state of residence-, and earliest claim date-matched controls using 10 years of private prescription claims data. Prescription claims among persons with EDS versus matched controls were increased for eight medication classes (p < .0001): intranasal/inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (30.8% vs. 19.0%), oral steroids (30.0% vs. 16.5%), H1-antihistamines (26.2% vs. 12.2%), short-acting beta agonists (22.7% vs. 11.6%), decongestants (21.6% vs. 15.9%), leukotriene modifiers (8.9% vs. 3.6%), ICS/long-acting beta agonists (5.7% vs. 2.9%), muscarinic antagonists (2.5% vs. 0.9%), and co-occurring prescriptions (29% vs. 10%). Our results suggest a critical time window for peripubertal intervention and research and a need to focus on the pathogenesis and clinical evaluation of EDS-specific respiratory and aerodigestive disorders.

The GoodHope Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Clinic: development and implementation of the first interdisciplinary program for multi-system issues in connective tissue disorders at the Toronto General Hospital

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) are a heterogeneous group of genetic connective tissue disorders, and typically manifests as weak joints that subluxate/dislocate, stretchy and/or fragile skin, organ/systems dysfunction, and significant widespread pain. Historically, this syndrome has been poorly understood and often overlooked. As a result, people living with EDS had difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, leading to untold personal suffering as well as ineffective health care utilization. The GoodHope EDS clinic addresses systemic gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of EDS. This paper describes a leap forward—from lack of awareness, diagnosis, and treatment—to expert care that is tailored to meet the specific needs of patients with EDS. The GoodHope EDS clinic consists of experts from various medical specialties who work together to provide comprehensive care that addresses the multi-systemic nature of the syndrome. In addition, EDS-specific self-management programs have been developed that draw on exercise science, rehabilitation, and health psychology to improve physical and psychosocial wellbeing and overall quality of life. Embedded into the program are research initiatives to shed light on the clinical presentation, underlying mechanisms of pathophysiology, and syndrome management. We also lead regular educational activities for community health care providers to increase awareness and competence in the interprofessional management of EDS beyond our doors and throughout the province and country.

A review of respiratory manifestations and their management in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders

BACKGROUND

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are a heterogeneous group of heritable genetic connective tissue disorders with multiple characteristics including joint hypermobility, tissue fragility, and multiple organ dysfunction. Respiratory manifestations have been described in EDS patients, but have not been systematically characterized. A narrative review was undertaken to describe the respiratory presentations and management strategies of individuals with EDS and HSD.

METHODS

A broad literature search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane CENTRAL was undertaken from inception to November 2020 of all study types, evaluating EDS/ HSD and pulmonary conditions. This narrative review was limited to adult patients and publications in English.

RESULTS

Respiratory manifestations have generally been described in hypermobile EDS (hEDS), classical and vascular EDS subtypes. Depending on EDS subtype, they may include but are not limited to dyspnea, dysphonia, asthma, sleep apnea, and reduced respiratory muscle function, with hemothorax and pneumothorax often observed with vascular EDS. Respiratory manifestations in HSD have been less frequently characterized in the literature, but exertional dyspnea is the more common symptom described. Respiratory symptoms in EDS can have an adverse impact on quality of life. The respiratory management of EDS patients has followed standard approaches with thoracotomy tubes and pleurodesis for pleural manifestations, vocal cord strengthening exercises, continuous positive pressure support for sleep apnea, and exercise training. Reduced respiratory muscle function in hEDS patients responds to inspiratory muscle training.

CONCLUSION

Respiratory symptoms and manifestations are described in EDS and HSD, and have generally been managed using conservative non-surgical strategies. Research into the prevalence, incidence and specific respiratory management strategies in EDS and HSD is needed to mitigate some of the associated morbidity.

Immersion pulmonary oedema: a cardiological perspective

It is postulated that immersion pulmonary oedema (IPE) occurs because of combinations of factors that each increase the hydrostatic pressure gradient between the pulmonary capillaries and the alveoli. The factors, by definition, include the effects of immersion, particularly raised central blood volume and hence cardiac filling pressures. Breathing against a negative pressure is important but the magnitude of the effect depends on the relation of the diver's lung centroid to the source of the breathing gas and the breathing characteristics of diving equipment. Other factors are cold-induced vasoconstriction, exertion and emotional stress, but variations of the responses of individuals to these stimuli are important. Hypertension is the most frequent cardiovascular disease predisposing to IPE but other medical conditions are implicated in some patients.