This roundup includes research on fluoroquinolone use in vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) and menopause research priorities in rare diseases. Studies also investigated the cause of urinary symptoms in people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) as well as the barriers to care for people with hEDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD).
Research is an ongoing process, and individual studies contribute to a larger body of evidence. If you’re new to reading research, learn how to find and interpret research papers using the resources below.
Ciprofloxacin Exposure Promotes Aortic Dissection and Arterial Rupture in a Mouse Model of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
A mouse study tested whether ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, affected arterial risk in vascular EDS (vEDS).
In mice with COL3A1 variants, ciprofloxacin exposure was linked to arterial dissection and rupture, with a 44% mortality rate. No deaths or ruptures occurred in untreated mice. Increased inflammation, collagen disruption, and cell death also occurred in the aortas of the treated mice, compared to untreated mice.
This study used mice so the results may not directly translate to humans.
Authors: LeMaire S, Zhang L, Zhang C, Vela D, Coselli J, Shen Y
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000007133
Menopause in rare diseases: Shared research concerns and the case for a dedicated subfield
A review of research on menopause in rare diseases, including EDS, found that very little research has been done on how menopause may affect symptoms and quality of life.
Researchers identified several areas needing further study, including:
- Symptom changes during menopause
- Disease-specific guidance
- Menopause hormone therapy
- Quality of life
- Unmet educational needs
Authors: Sufian S
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2026.109011
Beyond Joint Hypermobility: Investigating Bladder Dysfunction in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
A chart review of 27 adults with hypermobile EDS (hEDS) found that urinary symptoms were common, but bladder testing did not show evidence of underlying bladder disease in most participants. Instead, symptoms were linked to pelvic floor and nervous system dysfunction.
These findings suggest that pelvic floor-focused approaches may help evaluate and manage urinary symptoms in people with hEDS.
Authors: Ansari M, Pine M, Sapkalova V, Brodowsky E, Powell C, Burns R
DOI: 10.1002/nau.70351
Hypermobility spectrum disorders and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: patient experiences, disability and implications for rehabilitation
An online survey of 72 people with HSD or hEDS found that symptoms affected many areas of daily life.
58% of participants reported that their symptoms were not well-managed. These participants were more likely to report financial barriers to care and more comorbid conditions. These results suggest that interdisciplinary care and targeted rehabilitation may support better outcomes, particularly when paired with strategies to reduce logistical and economic barriers.
Authors: Brandt L, Kondratek M, Kim L, Ohanian H, Schneck K, Vukasovich C, Wozny A, Ziskey C
DOI: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000713
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