From the Research
Yes, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can increase C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in some patients. MCAS involves inappropriate activation of mast cells, which release various inflammatory mediators including histamine, cytokines, and prostaglandins 1. These inflammatory substances can trigger systemic inflammation, which may lead to elevated CRP levels as the liver produces this acute phase protein in response to inflammatory signals. However, CRP elevation in MCAS is typically mild to moderate rather than severely elevated, and not all MCAS patients will show increased CRP levels. Some patients may have normal CRP despite active symptoms.
Key Points to Consider
- CRP can be useful as one marker to monitor disease activity in MCAS patients who do show elevations, but it should be interpreted alongside other clinical symptoms and specialized mast cell mediator testing such as serum tryptase, N-methylhistamine, prostaglandin D2, and leukotriene levels 2.
- Treatment approaches that reduce mast cell activation, such as H1 and H2 antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers like cromolyn sodium, and anti-inflammatory medications, may help normalize CRP levels in affected patients 3.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently reported by MCAS patients and are often mistaken by physicians as functional gastrointestinal disorders, highlighting the need for awareness of MCAS among gastroenterologists 3.
- The diagnosis of MCAS requires a combination of clinical symptoms, increased tryptase levels, and response to antimediator therapy 2.
Management and Treatment
- Reducing mast cell activation is key to managing MCAS, and this can be achieved through the use of H1 and H2 antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and anti-inflammatory medications 4.
- Avoiding triggers and modulating mast cell activation can also help improve symptoms and quality of life for MCAS patients 3.
- A diagnostic algorithm and practical evaluation and management approach can help guide clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of MCAS 2.