Summary: Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS) focusing on oral symptoms: a questionnaire study

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Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS) focusing on oral symptoms: a questionnaire study

Clinical Orthodontics and Research August 2004, vol. 7, no. 3, pp.

178-185(8)

C Hagberg; B Berglund; L Korpe; J Andersson-Norinder

Abstract:

Structured Abstract Authors – Hagberg C, Berglund B, Korpe L, Andersson-Norinder

J

Objectives – To study the prevalence of oral problems reported among a large

group of adults with Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Furthermore, to compare

proportions of disorders and general psychological well-being with those in a

cohort of randomized population-based controls.

Design – A questionnaire study.

Setting and Sample Population – A total of 265 persons with EDS (response rate

77%) and 750 controls (response rate 63%) in a population-based cohort. Sixty

persons were excluded from the EDS group (support members, children, undiagnosed

EDS) leaving a final study group of 144 adults. The final control group

consisted of 331 persons since many had sent back unanswered questionnaires.

Experimental Variables –

Questions concerning general and oral symptoms, VAS scales for masticatory

muscle pain ratings and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) questions were

included.

Outcome Measure – Proportions of affirmative answers in EDS group and controls

were compared. Mean values for ratings on VAS scales. Proportions of GHQ12

scores with a threshold score of four or more.

Results – The proportions of affirmative answers for persons with EDS concerning

general health problems, oral problems and masticatory muscle symptoms were

significantly higher compared with controls. In the EDS group those who had

daily pain in the masticatory muscles had significantly higher mean values on

the VAS scales compared with those who had pain a few days per month. A GHQ12

score of four or more was significantly more common in the EDS group than in the

controls, suggesting that a decline in psychological well-being was also more

common in this group.

Conclusion – It is important that dental practitioners should be aware of the

oral problems associated with EDS and the impact the disease has on quality of

life.

Keywords: chronic pain; connective tissue; Ehlers–Danlos; General Health

Questionnaire; masticatory muscle pain; oral; temporomandibular disorders;

temporomandibular joints

Document Type: Case report ISSN: 1397-5927