MCAD Manifestations of GU and GI disease - Dr. Anne Maitland - 2022

In the resource, Dr. Anne Maitland discusses the management of Mast Cell Activation Disorders (MCAD) concerning the gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) systems in patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). She highlights the complex role mast cells play in the body, including their involvement in both allergic and non-allergic conditions, and their impact on various systems like the GI and GU tracts. Dr. Maitland discusses the criteria for diagnosing MCAS, emphasizing the importance of testing beyond just serum tryptase levels and considering symptoms across multiple organ systems. She also points out the need to differentiate MCAS from other similar disorders and offers insights into treatment strategies, including histamine blockade and dietary changes, to help manage symptoms. Additionally, she mentions the potential overlap with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and interstitial cystitis, where mast cell involvement could be significant, and she outlines both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management approaches.