Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited tissue disorders. This syndrome affects collagen, which plays a major role in holding together, strengthening, and providing elasticity to body cells and tissues.
Symptoms and signs of EDS include abnormally flexible, loose joints that may easily become dislocated; unusually loose, thin, stretchy (elastic) skin; and excessive fragility of the skin, blood vessels, and other body tissues and membranes.
The many types of EDS are classified using Roman numerals (EDS I to EDS XI), based upon each type's symptoms, signs, and underlying cause.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery |
| Last Updated: March 7, 2008 | |
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