Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Current Treatment Options

Overview

Registration


There is no cost to participate. This on-demand course will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. After the assessment, learners will be asked to complete an activity with a passing score of 75%.

Before enrolling in this educational activity, you must log in or create an account. 

Once you register for the course, you will have 30 days from the date of enrollment to complete the course. The date your access expires will be indicated in the Course Summary box on this webpage.
 

Target Audience

Healthcare professionals.

Description

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that affect the skin, joints, and blood vessels due to defects in collagen production. Individuals with EDS often experience hypermobile joints, skin that is overly stretchy and fragile, and a tendency to bruise easily. The severity of the condition varies widely, with some types causing chronic pain and joint instability, while others, such as vascular EDS, can lead to life-threatening complications like arterial or organ rupture. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, genetic testing, and skin biopsies, while management focuses on symptom relief through physical therapy, pain management, and lifestyle adaptations. Since EDS is a lifelong condition, early recognition and multidisciplinary care are crucial for improving quality of life.

Learning Objectives

  1. Recognize the prevalence rates of the various Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) types.
  2. Explain the typical disease progression of EDS.
  3. Analyze its measurable impact on patient quality of life using specific case examples or clinical scenarios.
  4. Identify key signs and symptoms of EDS to aid in early recognition and diagnosis.
  5. Comprehend the diagnostic process for all types of EDS.
  6. Utilize the EDS diagnostic checklist.
  7. Assess current treatment options for EDS.
  8. Develop recommendations for individualized, multidisciplinary plans based on patient-specific needs and evidence-based practices.

Speaker

Dani Hinkle
Physician Assistant Student, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Faculty Advisor

Angela Grundmeyer, DMSc, PA-C
Associate Professor, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Ms. Grundmeyer has reviewed the slides for completeness, clinical accuracy, and recommended action. 

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Recording date: February 25, 2025
Date of original release: March 2, 2025
Most recent review/update: March 2, 2025
Termination date: March 1, 2028

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 0.50 AOA Category 2­B
  • 0.50 CE Contact Hour(s)
Course opens: 
03/02/2025
Course expires: 
03/01/2028
Cost:
$0.00

CE Credits

Accreditation Statements

  • MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this enduring materials activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • DO: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for a maximum of 0.50 AOA Category 2-B credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
  • Other Healthcare Professionals: This activity is designated for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Educational Grants

No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity. 

Disclosures

The planning committee member(s) and speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals or medical procedures and devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The activity director is responsible for determining educational content and selecting speakers. 

Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Dani Hinkle - Speaker
  • Angela Grundmeyer, DMSc, PA-C - Faculty Advisor and Content Reviewer

Disclaimer

The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only. It is not a substitute for a healthcare provider's independent medical judgment regarding diagnostic and treatment options for a specific patient's medical condition

Available Credit

  • 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 0.50 AOA Category 2­B
  • 0.50 CE Contact Hour(s)

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Price

Cost:
$0.00
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