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Disability in Adolescents and Adults Diagnosed With Hypermobility-Related Disorders: A Meta-Analysis

Scheper MC, Juul-Kristensen B, Rombaut L, Rameckers EA, Verbunt J, Engelbert RH

Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 2016

12 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To (1) establish the association of the most common reported symptoms on disability; and (2) study the effectiveness of treatment on disability in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-hypermobility type (EDS-HT)/hypermobility syndrome (HMS).

DATA SOURCES: An electronic search (Medical Subject Headings and free-text terms) was conducted in bibliographic databases CENTRAL/MEDLINE.

STUDY SELECTION: Comparative, cross-sectional, longitudinal cohort studies and (randomized) controlled trials including patients with HMS/EDS-HT aged ≥17 years were considered for inclusion. A class of symptoms was included when 5 publications were available. In regards to treatment (physical, cognitive interventions), only (randomized) controlled trials were considered. Surgical and medicinal interventions were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION: Bias was assessed according to the methodological scoring tools of the Cochrane collaboration. Z-score transformations were applied to classify the extent of disability in comparison with healthy controls and to ensure comparability between studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Initially, the electronic search yielded 714 publications, and 21 articles remained for analysis after selection. The following symptoms were included for meta-analysis: pain (n=12), fatigue (n=6), and psychological distress (n=7). Pain (r=.64, P=.021), fatigue (r=.91, P=.011), and psychological distress (r=.86, P=.018) had a significant impact on disability. Regarding treatment, a significant…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 12 participants or records.

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