A new insight on postural tachycardia syndrome in 102 adults with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/hypermobility spectrum disorder

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2020 May 20;90(2). doi: 10.4081/monaldi.2020.1286.

Abstract

There is an association between joint hypermobility, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and different forms of orthostatic intolerance. Objective: to explore autonomic profile in a large cohort of adults with hEDS and hypermobility spectrum disorder (hEDS/HSD) with a multimodal approach. In this observational retrospective study, heart rate, blood pressure and baroreflex sensitivity were estimated in 102 hEDS/HSD subjects during deep breathing, Valsalva maneuver, standing up: 30-15 ratio, Head-Up Tilt and sustained handgrip. Abnormal results and head-up tilt test were common and included postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS; 48%), orthostatic intolerance (25.5%) and hypotension (3.9%). Baroreflex sensitivity was significantly different in individuals with POTS compared to the others. This study confirms the high rate and heterogeneity of abnormal autonomic regulation in hEDS/HSD, and suggests the baroreflex sensitivity might distinguish comorbid POTS from other profiles in this subgroup of patients. Abnormal autonomic regulation is common in adults with hEDS/HSD and should be regularly assessed for tailoring the management approach.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Baroreflex / physiology
  • Blood Pressure
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / complications*
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Hand Strength / physiology
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype
  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome / etiology*
  • Respiration
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Tilt-Table Test / methods
  • Valsalva Maneuver / physiology

Supplementary concepts

  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 3