Long COVID and hypermobility spectrum disorders have shared pathophysiology
Ravindra Ganesh1, Bala Munipalli2
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
Frontiers in Neurology
|September 20, 2024
Summary
Joint hypermobility conditions like hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) are common in patients with long COVID (LC), ME/CFS, and POTS. Early screening for hypermobility in LC patients is crucial for effective symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) are prevalent joint hypermobility conditions.
- Significant overlap exists between HSD/hEDS symptoms and those of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and long COVID (LC).
- Extrapulmonary manifestations like musculoskeletal pain, dysautonomia, cognitive issues, and fatigue are common in both LC and HSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the high prevalence of joint hypermobility in conditions such as LC, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and POTS.
- To explore the potential role of mast cell activation and persistent inflammation in the development or exacerbation of HSD in these patient groups.
- To emphasize the importance of screening for hypermobility and related conditions in individuals with long COVID.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on joint hypermobility, HSD, hEDS, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, POTS, and long COVID.
- Analysis of symptom overlap and potential pathophysiological mechanisms, including mast cell activation and inflammation.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.
Main Results:
- Joint hypermobility is found in 30-57% of patients with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, POTS, and LC, significantly higher than in the general population.
- Mast cell activation and persistent inflammation may contribute to connective tissue damage and the onset or worsening of hypermobility.
- Symptom overlap suggests a shared underlying pathophysiology or predisposition.
Conclusions:
- Screening for hypermobility is essential in patients presenting with long COVID, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or POTS.
- Management should be symptom-focused, incorporating pharmacological treatments, paced exercise, physical therapies, and mind-body practices.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking inflammation, mast cell activation, and hypermobility is warranted.
Keywords:
hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndromehypermobility spectrum disorderslong COVIDmyalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndromepostural orthostatic tachycardia syndromeMore Related Videos
10:21Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
398
03:45Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model
Published on: August 8, 2022
3.1K
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
2.7K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
2.7K
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
243
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
243
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
903
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
903
01:30Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
156
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
156
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
408
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
408
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
2.6K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
2.6K