Clinician awareness of the risk of anaphylaxis in patients with cutaneous mastocytosis

Abstract

The risk of anaphylaxis in maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (otherwise known as urticaria pigmentosa) is thought to be approximately 15%. Our survey of British Association of Dermatologists members elicited 40 responses: in patients with normal tryptase levels, adrenaline autoinjectors were prescribed for 10% of adults and 12% of children, increasing to 28% and 30% in those with raised tryptase. Of the 40 respondents, 95% felt a guideline would be beneficial. Thus, we propose a call for a guideline to assist clinicians with management of anaphylaxis risk in such patients, given the rarity of this condition.