2024-03-23 17:15:39
In certain cases, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can affect life expectancy. You can find out when and to what extent here.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare hereditary disease in which the body produces inadequate collagen. This fibrous protein plays an important role in the body: skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, gums and eyes – all of these tissues depend on collagen. As the main building block of connective tissue, it gives them structure, strength and elasticity.
In Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, errors in certain genes lead to impaired collagen formation – and as a result to a number of physical impairments. Because of the inadequate collagen, those affected have very weak connective tissue, which manifests itself, among other things, in overly mobile joints and excessively stretchy skin.
Which symptoms still occur and what the syndrome means for life expectancy depends on the subtype. Experts currently distinguish between 13 subtypes, which can be traced back to various errors in the genetic material.
When Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can shorten life expectancy
The symptoms associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause considerable suffering and become a serious burden. In many cases, however, they do not affect the life expectancy of those affected. This means that many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can expect a normal lifespan.
Only certain subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome pose an increased risk of life-threatening health problems. Patients with the so-called vascular subtype, which is characterized by weakness of the blood vessel walls, have a lower life expectancy.
They can develop tears or ruptures in the blood vessels and organs, for example in the intestines or uterus. In the worst case, these complications can be fatal. This often happens in young to middle adulthood, which is why around one in two people with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome only live to be around 51 years old. However, life expectancy can vary greatly even with this subtype.
Can life expectancy be increased with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
Anyone suffering from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome needs medical support. A cure is not yet possible. However, many of the symptoms can be alleviated through targeted treatment.
In addition, people with the vascular subtype and their relatives should carefully inform themselves about the disease and the associated risks in order to be best prepared for life-threatening complications. This way, if you have any symptoms, you can get medical help promptly and prevent a fatal outcome.
Good to know: As a rule, patients receive an emergency ID card. This serves to quickly inform medical professionals about the illness in an emergency so that they can initiate appropriate treatment and not take any medical measures that could be dangerous for those affected.
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