Vascular EDS Research
VEDS Research & Clinical Trials
To identify and reclassify the VUS most prevalent in patients with vascular EDS.
Prof Meena Balasubramanian, Consultant Clinical Geneticist and Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Developing a lifestyle intervention aiming to support people with vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (vEDS)
Markos Klonizakis, Professor of Vascular and Clinical Physiology
Understanding the experiences of rare types of EDS patients with clinicians and during clinic visits
Colin Halverson, PhD, bioethicist.
This research study is looking at ways to help people affected by vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (vEDS) to talk about the condition in their family.
Claire Green, Genetic Counsellor
UK adult patients genetically confirmed diagnosed vEDS.
Recruitment Closed
Investigating the oral manifestations of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
Jim Scott, Restorative Academic Clinic Fellow
UK adult patients genetically confirmed diagnosed vEDS or cEDS.
Recruitment Closed
Diagnosis and Management of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: Experience of the UK National Diagnostic Service, Sheffield
EDS Service, Sheffield
Exploring how living with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affects partner relationships and family planning.
Angharad Cullinane, MSc Genetic, Genomic Counselling Student and Trainee Genetic Counsellor
UK adult patients genetically confirmed diagnosed vEDS.
Recruitment closed
The NEEDS study aims to increase knowledge about the clinical and genetic features of children and adults with rare types of EDS by having, amongst other things, a research database.
Dr Fleur van Dijk
UK adult patients genetically confirmed diagnosed rare EDS types.
Ongoing
VEDS Clinical Trial. The trial will study the investigational oral compound, enzastaurin, for its inhibition of the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway.
Aytu BioPharma
Zevra Therapeutics plans to conduct a clinical trial in the U.S. to evaluate the efficacy of a medicine known as celiprolol for the treatment of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS).
Zevra Therapeutics
Leanne Barrett, Genetic Counsellor
Exploring Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Patients’ Perception of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Access to Ongoing Care.
Taylor Speziale, Charlotte Cowan & Kaitlyn Johnston, MSc Genetic and Genomic Counselling students.
Understanding the Utilization of PGT Among Individuals with Inherited Aortic or Vascular Disease.
Kaleigh Patton
Natural history study to define the contribution of known VEDS gene mutations to VEDS complications and outcomes.
Dr Sherene Shalhub, Vascular Surgeon.
AC & EDS Service Collaboration
A unique collaborative model providing supportive and self-advocacy tools to the rare disease community.
Juliette M. Harris, Jacqui Fish, Jared Griffin, Gemma Hasnaoui, Clare Stacey, Neeti Ghali, Fleur S. van Dijk.
This is a great example of collaborative work of the EDS Service, a highly specialised service commissioned by NHS England and Annabelle's Challenge Vascular EDS Charity including health care professionals, patients, carers and members of the emergency care project team.
The recommendations from this unique collaborative model include eight specific domains of self-advocacy: increasing knowledge of rare disease, taking care of mental well-being, taking care of physical well-being including routine care, the development of good working relationships between patients and health care professionals, information accessibility, emergency preparedness, taking part in education and outreach, and involvement in research and feedback opportunities.
Highlights
Research Update
VEDS Steering Group
VEDS Diagnosed
Sophie is the regional coordinator for the Yorkshire vEDS support group and chair of the steering group.
She is a retired GP and public health doctor. Sophie was diagnosed with vascular EDS in 2012 after a series of arterial dissections and joined Annabelle's Challenge in May 2017.
VEDS Diagnosed
Avene was diagnosed with vascular EDS in 2012 and joined Annabelle's Challenge in May 2022.
Avene is a scientist and works in biotech focusing on the discovery and development of new drugs.
"By joining the steering group at Annabelle's Challenge I hope I can combine my experiences both as a drug discovery scientist and as a vEDS patient to bring a unique perspective and help the vEDS community".
VEDS Diagnosed
Gemma was diagnosed with vEDS in 2016 and joined Annabelle’s Challenge shortly afterwards. She is currently working as a junior doctor and hopes to start training to be a GP soon.
"I would love to be able to take advantage of my role as a doctor to help bridge the gap between vEDS patients and healthcare professionals."
VEDS Diagnosed
Ryan joined Annabelle’s Challenge in October 2020 and was diagnosed with vascular EDS in 2010.
Ryan is a mortgage advisor and joined the VEDS Steering Group in November 2022.
VEDS Carer
Surjeet joined AC in December 2016, three generations of his family are affected by vascular EDS.
Surjeet is a retired police Chief Superintendent with 30 years service. He has a wealth of experience working with partner agencies and local communities. In 2013 he was awarded the Queens Police Medal for his contribution to policing and transforming the way in which the police engaged with communities.
VEDS Carer
Jacqui joined Annabelle's Challenge in November 2014.
Her son was diagnosed with vascular EDS in 2005.
Jacqui is a volunteer regional coordinator for Annabelle's Challenge in the South East and is also a community first responder.
VEDS Carer
Holly is our advocate for young adults and children touched by vEDS and supports her mum who has recently been diagnosed with vEDS.
She is a Young Ambassador at Action for Children, Membership Assistant at Coeliac UK and achieved the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Holly also volunteers at a youth club which supports young people and those with disabilities or difficulties.
Lead ICC Advanced Nurse Practitioner
As part of her role Katy continues to develop Inherited Cardiac Condition (ICC) services at University Hospitals of North Midlands, and has recently set up an ICC genetics clinic and one stop screening clinic at UHNM.
Katy has a particular interest in aortopathies, and has experience carrying out aortopathy clinics, continuing to develop the aortopathy service at UHNM. She has participated in delivering presentations for various GP, Registrar and MSc training programmes and has recently completed an MSc in Advanced Professional Practice (Genetic Healthcare) at Plymouth University.
Genetic Counsellor
Claire Green is a registered genetic counsellor working in the EDS National Diagnostic Service in Sheffield. Claire specialises in working with individuals and families with the rare types of EDS.
She has extensive experience in this area as the EDS service sees substantial numbers of patients with classical EDS and vascular EDS as well as patients with all of the very rare types of EDS.
Genetic Counsellor
Jessica is a registered genetic counsellor based at the EDS National Diagnostic Service in Sheffield.
Jessica provides essential counselling to give people information about genetic conditions and how they are inherited, and works very closely with the clinical geneticists.
Genetic Counsellor
Tammy Kammin is a registered genetic counsellor at the EDS National Diagnostic Service in Sheffield.
Tammy's role is to provide support and genetic advice to families affected by the rarer types of EDS.
Genetic Counsellor
Dr Juliette Harris is a specialist genetic counsellor for the London-based EDS National Diagnostic Service.
As well as providing routine genetic counselling for rare types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and aortopathies, Juliette is also involved in research projects and is particularly interested in the impact that patient involvement and self-advocacy has on improving outcomes for people with vascular EDS.
Thank you for contacting us.
We have now added you to our database for updates on the charity, vascular EDS and any research projects.