$Unique_ID{BRK00440}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Ehlers-Danlos Disease and How Can it be Treated?}
$Subject{skin connective tissue tissues Ehlers-Danlos Ill Defined Symptoms
symptom elastic flexible inherited genetic collagen fiber fibers ligaments
tendons India Rubber Man ligament tendon resource resources}
$Volume{N-20, V-20}
$Log{}

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What is Ehlers-Danlos Disease and How Can it be Treated?


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QUESTION:  Could you please provide some information about the Ehlers-Danlos
disease, like what causes it and how it can be treated?  We are desperate to
find out all we can.

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ANSWER:  The association of a stretchable, elastic skin and flexible joints
are two of the characteristics of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which is also known
as the India Rubber Man.  It is an inherited condition and may have as many as
10 varieties according to the pattern of genetic make up.  While the entire
pattern is confusing, there is probably a defect in the collagen fibers that
are part of skin, ligaments and tendons that cause these structures to be
stretched beyond the normal.  The good news is that, despite the possibility
of numerous complications, life expectancy is normal.  You may obtain more
information by writing to the National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923, New Fairfield, CT 06812, or calling 1-800-447-6673.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.