Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women with Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in a cohort of women with either Ma rfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Female patients with either Marian syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome were identified through a medical records search at two urban hosp itals. Each patient's medical record was reviewed, and the history of pelvi c organ prolapse and urinary incontinence was obtained through telephone in terview. RESULTS: Twelve women with Marfan syndrome were identified. Among these wom en 5 (42%) reported a history of urinary incontinence and 4 (33%) reported a history of pelvic organ prolapse. Eight women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome were identified. Among these women 4 (50%) reported a history of urinary i ncontinence and 6 (75%) reported a history of pelvic organ prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: Women with Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have high rates of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. This finding supports the hypothesized etiologic role of connective tissue disorders as a factor in t he pathogenesis of these conditions.