ABSTRACT
@#Joint hypermobility (JH) refers to the ability of joints to move beyond the 'normal' limits, which can be either physiologic or pathologic. Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs) are a group of joint hypermobility-related clinical conditions. HSDs primarily affects the musculoskeletal system, predisposing the joints to subluxations or dislocations, and chronic pain. HSDs, however, may also manifest with symptoms such as fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, indicating multisystemic involvement that may impact psychological well-being. Although HSDs is usually not life-threatening, it is associated with poor quality of life. Currently, the molecular basis of HSDs remains unclear. The diagnosis of HSDs requires comprehensive medical evaluation and assessment. The main differential conditions/diagnoses include asymptomatic joint hypermobility, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), and various musculoskeletal inflammatory or degenerative diseases. Asymptomatic joint hypermobility, HSDs, and hEDS are now viewed as a continuous spectrum. Due to limited awareness of the condition, individuals with asymptomatic joint hypermobility may experience overdiagnosis and overtreatment, while patients with HSDs may encounter prolonged misdiagnoses or underdiagnoses. Furthermore, individuals presenting with psychological symptoms may have all their somatic complaints erroneously attributed to psychological factors. These factors collectively impose unnecessary psychological and economic burdens on patients and their families. The multi-systemic and heterogeneous nature of HSDs necessitates a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach with a case manager in both the diagnosis and management processes. Additionally, patient education and self-management play pivotal roles in optimizing chronic disease management. This review aims to summarize the current state of diagnosis and management of HSDs and raise awareness of HSDs, providing a basis for the establishment and refinement of a multi-disciplinary diagnostic and management framework for HSDs in China.
ABSTRACT
Blau syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the a mix of granulomatous arthritis, uveitis, and dermatitis. Patients typically manifest multisystem involvement, including ocular, skin, and skeletal abnormalities. Blau syndrome is extremely rare, with a global incidence of less than one in a million among children. In this multidisciplinary consultation, we present a case of a 21-year-old young female patient having multisystemic involvement since early childhood. She was presented with multiple joint swelling, skin lesions, increased eye discharge, and accompanied by hypertension and arterial abnormalities, and received a diagnosis of uveitis. The patient had been receiving steroid treatment since the age of 6 and has tried various medications, with some improvement in joint swelling and ocular symptoms. Through this rare disease multidisciplinary consultation, we aim to provide guidance in the molecular diagnosis of the patient, multisystem assessment, and the selection and formulation of treatment plans. Additionally, we hope that by reporting this case, clinical physicians can gain a better understanding of the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment strategies for Blau syndrome, thereby improving the management and treatment of rare diseases.
ABSTRACT
Deep phenotyping is a precise and comprehensive approach used for the precise analysis and comprehensive assessment of multi-system phenotypes of the patients. The approach uses symptoms, signs, various medical examination and laboratory results, and other relevant medical information. In the clinical diagnosis and medical research of rare bone diseases, deep phenotyping plays a pivotal role. The realization of precision medicine primarily comprises three key dimensions: deep phenotyping, stratified medicine, and targeted therapy. The deep phenotyping is the basis for the latter two. Deep phenotyping not only facilitates fine subtyping of diseases, but also allows for the in-depth understanding of genetic data. The use of deep phenotyping requires stand- ardized terminology and specific procedures. Moreover, deep phenotyping shows substantial potential using the application of artificial intelligence technology particularly when combining with multi-omics techniques.