Inherited connective tissue disorder with six different types.Encyclopedia Entry for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome :Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. There are six major types and at least five minor types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A variety of gene changes (mutations) cause problems with collagen. This is the material that provides strength and structure to: Skin Bone Blood vessels Internal organs The abnormal collagen leads to the symptoms associated with EDS. In some forms of the syndrome, the rupture of internal organs or abnormal heart valves can occur. Family history is a risk factor in some cases.Symptoms of EDS include: Back pain Double-jointedness Easily damaged, bruised, and stretchy skin Easy scarring and poor wound healing Flat feet Increased joint mobility, joints popping, early arthritis Joint dislocation Joint pain Premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy Very soft and velvety skin Vision problems.Examination by a health care provider may show: Deformed surface of the eye (cornea) Excess joint looseness and joint hypermobility Mitral valve in the heart does not close tightly ( mitral valve prolapse ) Gum infection ( periodontitis ) Rupture of intestines, uterus, or eyeball (seen only in vascular EDS, which is rare) Soft, thin, or very stretchy skin Tests to diagnose EDS include: Collagen typing (performed on a skin biopsy sample) Collagen gene mutation testing Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) Lysyl hydroxylase or oxidase activity (to check collagen formation).There is no specific cure for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Individual problems and symptoms are evaluated and cared for appropriately. Physical therapy or evaluation by a doctor specializing in rehabilitation medicine is often needed.People with EDS generally have a normal life span. Intelligence is normal. Those with the rare vascular type of EDS are at greater risk of rupture of a major organ or blood vessel. These people have a high risk of sudden death.Possible complications of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome include: Chronic joint pain Early-onset arthritis Failure of surgical wounds to close (or stitches tear out) Premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy Rupture of major vessels, including a ruptured aortic aneurysm (only in vascular EDS) Rupture of a hollow organ such as the uterus or bowel (only in vascular EDS) Rupture of the eyeball.Call for an appointment with your provider if you have a family history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and you are concerned about your risk or are planning to start a family. Call for an appointment with your provider if you or your child has symptoms of EDS.Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with a family history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Those planning to start a family should be aware of the type of EDS they have and its mode of how it is passed down to children. This can be determined through testing and evaluations suggested by your provider or genetic counselor. Identifying any significant health risks may help prevent severe complications by vigilant screening and lifestyle alterations.Krakow D. Heritable diseases of connective tissue.