Geno-phenotypic characteristics of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: difficulties of disease type identification and approaches to pathogenetic treatment

Veltischev Researchand Clinical Institutefor Pediatricsofthe Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia The article presents modern data on the most common monogenic connective tissue disease – Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. The authors describe two previous classifications of the syndrome: Berlin (1988) classification, which distinguishes 11 types of the disease, and Beyton (1998) classification, which includes 6 types of the syndrome and takes into account the results of molecular genetic studies. Particular attention is paid to a new classification, proposed by the International Consortium in 2017. This classification is based on the clinical and molecular genetic data and unites 13 types of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, divided in 7 groups (A–G), depending on the main molecular defect. This defect determines the violation of various collagen structures (primary, spatial, cross-linking) and others constituents of the connective tissue (myomatrix, glycosaminoglycans, complement component, etc.). The classification provides general clinical symptoms for all types of the disease and comprehensive information on the specific signs of each of the 13 types of the syndrome.

The authors discuss approaches to the pathogenetic therapy of the syndrome, the possibilities of symptomatic treatment, including both medications of different spectrum of action, and physiotherapeutic measures, exercise therapy. The complex of the listed therapeutic measures is aimed at stabilizing the main pathological process, preventing complications, improving the patient’s quality of life and social adaptation. The authors emphasize that correct patient management, targeted medical supervision and medical genetic counseling requires molecular genetic verification of the diagnosis.

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