Mast Cell Degranulation and Testosterone

Clinical Implications for Mast Cell Disorders

• The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology suggests that primary triggers for mast cell disorders remain non-immunologic stimuli, including temperature extremes, stress, physical pressure, certain medications, and alcohol 1, 2
• The British Journal of Anaesthesia and the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network state that no clinical guidelines recommend avoiding testosterone or considering it a trigger in patients with mast cell disorders 4, 5

Perioperative Management

• The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology recommends avoiding known histamine-releasing drugs, such as certain muscle relaxants, morphine, meperidine, and ketorolac, but does not mention sex hormones as triggers in the perioperative management guidelines for mastocytosis 1, 2