Overview
Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 2 (also written as clEDS type 2) is a rare inherited connective tissue disorder. Connective tissue is like the body's glue — it holds skin, joints, blood vessels, and organs together. When this tissue does not work properly, many parts of the body can be affected. clEDS type 2 is caused by changes (variants) in the AEBP1 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein that helps build and maintain connective tissue. People with clEDS type 2 often have very stretchy or fragile skin that bruises easily and may take longer to heal after cuts or injuries. Joints tend to be loose and flexible beyond the normal range, which is called hypermobility. This can lead to frequent joint dislocations and chronic pain. Some people also experience muscle weakness, which can affect how they move and get around. Facial features may look slightly different from other family members, and some individuals have a mild intellectual disability or learning differences. There is currently no cure for clEDS type 2. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, protecting joints, and improving quality of life. A team of specialists — including geneticists, physiotherapists, and pain specialists — work together to create a care plan tailored to each person. Early diagnosis is important so that the right support can be put in place as soon as possible.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Very stretchy or elastic skinFragile skin that bruises easilySlow wound healing or wide scars after injuriesLoose, flexible joints that go beyond the normal range of movement (hypermobility)Frequent joint dislocations or subluxations (partial dislocations)Chronic joint and muscle painMuscle weaknessMild intellectual disability or learning difficulties in some peopleSlightly unusual facial featuresFatigue and low energySoft, doughy skin texture
Clinical phenotype terms (50)— hover any for plain English
Autosomal recessive
Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 2.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 2.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 2.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What genetic testing do you recommend to confirm the diagnosis, and how long will results take?,Which specialists should be part of my care team, and how often should I see them?,What physiotherapy exercises are safe for me, and which activities should I avoid to protect my joints?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could participate in?,How should I manage skin injuries at home, and when should I go to the emergency room?,What support is available for learning difficulties or school accommodations?,Should other family members be tested for this condition?
Common questions about Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 2
What is Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 2?
Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 2 (also written as clEDS type 2) is a rare inherited connective tissue disorder. Connective tissue is like the body's glue — it holds skin, joints, blood vessels, and organs together. When this tissue does not work properly, many parts of the body can be affected. clEDS type 2 is caused by changes (variants) in the AEBP1 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein that helps build and maintain connective tissue. People with clEDS type 2 often have very stretchy or fragile skin that bruises easily and may take longer to heal after cuts or i
How is Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 2 inherited?
Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 2 follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.