Anne Maitland - "Understanding Mast Cell Activation in EDS & HDS"
Dr. Anne Maitland discusses the role of mast cells in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Syndrome (HSD) at a 2019 conference. Mast cells are crucial for immune response and tissue structure, and dysregulation can lead to conditions like mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). She explains that MCAS can affect multiple organ systems, often requiring a multi-disciplinary approach for diagnosis and management. Treatment usually involves histamine blockers and identifying triggers. Dr. Maitland emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying conditions contributing to mast cell dysregulation and discusses common misdiagnoses and misconceptions, advocating for broader awareness and better diagnostic criteria.