MCAS in developmental & behavioral pediatrics with Donna Kirchoff, MD, FAAP: Mast Cell Matters with Dr. Tania Dempsey

The podcast episode features a discussion between Dr. Tania Dempsey and Dr. Donna Kirchoff on the role of mast cells in developmental and behavioral pediatric conditions like autism, PANS, and PANDAS. Dr. Kirchoff shares her approach to diagnosing and managing MCAS, emphasizing the importance of detailed patient history and identifying symptoms such as hypermobility, sensitivity to foods, and GI issues. She employs a combination of dietary changes, vitamin supplementation, and luteolin as part of her initial treatment strategy, adapting based on individual responses. The conversation also touches on the overlap of MCAS with neuroinflammatory conditions like PANS/PANDAS and autism, highlighting the potential for mast cells to exacerbate immune responses in these conditions. Stress management through nonpharmacological means such as vagal nerve stimulation and lifestyle changes is also discussed as a key aspect of treatment. The episode underscores the need for broader research into these connections and adaptive treatment strategies in pediatric populations.