Citations 1
The Impact of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Joint Hypermobility on GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus
Lee, Michelle E. , Harris, Lucinda, Katz, Philip O. , Harris, Lucinda A.
Foregut: The Journal of the American Foregut Society | July 7, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heritable collagen disorder characterized by joint hypermobility and tissue fragility, with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) as the most common subtype. Rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms are reportedly higher in the hEDS population than the general population. This could be caused by increased esophageal hypersensitivity and/or connective tissue laxity leading to hiatal hernias or increased relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter. Despite this, Barrett’s esophagus rates in hEDS do not appear to be higher than in the general population. This review examines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and unique considerations for management of GERD in hEDS.