Joint hypermobility and ehlers-danlos syndrome: Considerations from nursing care

Abstract

Hypermobile spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HSD and EDS) are chronic diseases, considered unusual and affecting the quality of life of these patients. According to international studies, its prevalence worldwide is between 2 to 57% of the population and presenting, depending on the stage of life, varied clinical manifestations. Also, exacerbations of other associated conditions may occur, which makes it difficult to diagnose, generating several consults at the different levels of care. Consequently, this paper reflects on the importance of the nurse professional role in managing the care of children and adults living with this health problem, through a review of updated publications on HSD and EDS. Emphasis is placed on how nursing care can accompany people with this condition. It is concluded that it is essential to be aware of the existence of this pathology in an interdisciplinary way to contribute in the research, the management and care of the affected people.