Emmanuel J Esaka1, Steven H Golde, Michael R Stever, Ronald L Thomas. 1. From the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana Regional Medical Center, Indiana, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue diseases demonstrating autosomal-dominant, autosomal-recessive, and X-linked inheritance patterns. The diagnosis can be established by clinical, biochemical, and genetic findings. CASE: Our nulliparous patient presented with an unspecified diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Laboratory testing confirmed the kyphoscoliotic type. Based on clinical and phenotypic similarities with the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, termination was advised. Minor trauma in the third trimester led to delivery of a stillborn fetus, which was followed by disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and death of the mother. Maternal autopsy revealed that there had been a spontaneous rupture of the right iliac artery. CONCLUSION: Practitioners should be aggressive in recommending effective birth control in patients with the kyphoscoliotic form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In cases of established pregnancy, patients should be made fully aware of their risks of death and severe complications.
BACKGROUND:Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue diseases demonstrating autosomal-dominant, autosomal-recessive, and X-linked inheritance patterns. The diagnosis can be established by clinical, biochemical, and genetic findings. CASE: Our nulliparous patient presented with an unspecified diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Laboratory testing confirmed the kyphoscoliotic type. Based on clinical and phenotypic similarities with the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, termination was advised. Minor trauma in the third trimester led to delivery of a stillborn fetus, which was followed by disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and death of the mother. Maternal autopsy revealed that there had been a spontaneous rupture of the right iliac artery. CONCLUSION: Practitioners should be aggressive in recommending effective birth control in patients with the kyphoscoliotic form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In cases of established pregnancy, patients should be made fully aware of their risks of death and severe complications.
Authors: Jae Won Choi; Shari L Sutor; Lonn Lindquist; Glenda L Evans; Benjamin J Madden; H Robert Bergen; Theresa E Hefferan; Michael J Yaszemski; Richard J Bram Journal: PLoS Genet Date: 2009-12-04 Impact factor: 5.917