Measurement of surrogate mast cell-related products in blood or urine is often performed to assess disease extent in evaluating patients with mastocytosis. Serum tryptase and 24-hour urine histamine metabolites are the most commonly used surrogate markers of mastocytosis. In addition, several novel markers including soluble CD117 and soluble CD25 have been identified in recent studies. The utility and the pitfalls of each of these measurements are discussed.

Keywords:
Mastocytosis, Urticaria pigmentosa, Surrogate markers, Tryptase, Mast cells
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© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
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