EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME PRESENTING AS RHEUMATIC MANIFESTATIONS IN THE CHILD

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 8  (1) , 79-85
Abstract
Nine patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) presented with joint complaints. This represented 5% of the new pediatric arthritis patients seen over 6 mo. All 9 patients had a history of double-jointedness, and 7 had arthralgias associated with increased physical activity. On physical examination all had hypermobile joints, 7 had joint tenderness but none had joint swelling. Based on the presence of other features including hyperextensible skin, widened scars, and cardiac clicks and murmurs, 8 were categorized as EDS type II and 1 as EDS type III. It posed a significant problem because the diagnosis was not previously entertained before consultation and erroneous diagnosis was made. EDS should be included in the differential diagnosis of polyarthralgia in the child.