Andrea Lobo, PhD, science writer —

Andrea Lobo holds a PhD in cell biology/neurosciences from the University of Coimbra-Portugal, where she studied stroke biology. As a research scientist for 19 years, Andrea participated in academic projects in multiple research fields, from stroke, gene regulation, cancer, and rare diseases. She has authored multiple research papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Articles by Andrea Lobo

Autonomic dysfunction affects life quality for most children with hEDS

Most children and young adults with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) have cardiovascular issues and dysfunction of their autonomic nervous system, or the network of nerves that control unconscious processes, which in turn negatively affects their quality of life, according to a recent study. Notable issues with the autonomic nervous…

vEDS diagnosed in man, 25, after ruptured aneurysm: Report

After experiencing a ruptured aneurysm in the hepatic artery — a blood vessel that supplies the liver — years after surgery for a perforated bowel, a 25-year-old man in Japan was diagnosed with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS). According to the report detailing his case, the man had been given…

Early-stage breast cancer treatment successful in woman with vEDS

A combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy successfully treated early-stage breast cancer in a 46-year-old woman with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) in Japan. People with vEDS have fragile blood vessels prone to bleeding and delayed wound healing. Due to these risks, the woman underwent surgery for partial (instead…

Urinary tract issues frequent in EDS patients: Review

People with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) frequently experience urinary problems, most commonly urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, according to a review study. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic organs, such as the bladder, parts of the large intestine, or reproductive organs,…

C-sections may reduce risks for pregnant women with vEDS: Study

Women with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) are at high risk of uterine rupture, issues in blood vessels, and death during pregnancy, particularly in the period around delivery. “To avoid expulsive efforts [active pushing], a caesarean section should be scheduled at 37 weeks of gestation,” researchers wrote. The study, “…

Creatine monohydrate supplement eased woman’s hEDS fatigue

A creatine monohydrate supplement eased chronic pain and fatigue in a woman with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), a case report said. Creatine monohydrate has well-established benefits to muscle strength and overall athletic performance. Creatine — derived from three amino acids, the building blocks of proteins — is naturally…

Jaw pain disorders highly prevalent in women with hEDS: Study

Jaw pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are quite common in women with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), according to a recent study from Sweden and Finland. TMD are conditions affecting the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. They may…