Pharmacological resources, diagnostic approach and coordination of care in joint hypermobility-related disorders

Joint hypermobility (JH) is the hallmark of many hereditary soft connective tissue disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and related disorders, disorders of the TGFβ-pathway, lateral meningocele syndrome, arterial tortuosity syndrome, and cutis laxa syndromes. Contemporary practice separates individuals with isolated, non-syndromic JH from patients with Mendelian syndromes and those with hypermobility spectrum disorders. The latter is a new nosologic entity grouping together individuals with JH and related musculoskeletal manifestations, but lacking inclusion criteria for well-defined and/or single-gene disorders. Area covered: Nomenclature of JH and JH-related disorders are summarized on a practically oriented perspective. Critical areas of clinical management comprise pain; cardiovascular and respiratory issues; fatigue and dysautonomia; bone fragility; and capillary, skin and soft tissue fragility. Medical management stands on low-evidence data. Ongoing preclinical and clinical studies are aimed to reach a more personalized pharmacological approach to the management of the cardiovascular risk, musculoskeletal pain, and reduced bone mass. Expert commentary: Correct classification of patients with JH-related disorders needs a systematic approach, in which a wide array of molecular tests should be intermingled with strong clinical competences in highly specialized settings. A multispecialty, hierarchical approach should be encouraged for optimal coordination of care in systemic phenotypes.