Higher prevalence of vertebral fractures in systemic mastocytosis, but not in cutaneous mastocytosis and idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome.

Unlabelled: Little is known about osteoporosis in mast cell disorders (MCDs) not related to systemic mastocytosis. We described osteoporosis and fractures in MCDs and showed that systemic mastocytosis was the only studied MCDs associated with osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Introduction: To describe osteoporosis (OP) and fragility fractures in mast cell disorders (MCDs).

Bone marrow tryptase as a possible diagnostic criterion for adult systemic mastocytosis.

Background: Mastocytosis is difficult to diagnose, especially when systemic mast cell activation symptoms are not present or involve only one extracutaneous organ.

Objective: The main objective was to evaluate the accuracy of the bone marrow tryptase level in the diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis in patients with a clinical suspicion of mastocytosis.

Methods: We included all adult patients evaluated in our centre between December 2009 and 2013 for suspected mastocytosis as part of a standardized procedure and who had a bone marrow and serum tryptase assay on the same day.

Successfully maintaining program funding during trying times: lessons from tobacco control programs in five states.

Despite negative financial conditions in recent years, several states were able to successfully maintain funding for tobacco prevention and control, which provided an opportunity to understand the factors associated with success. One explanation may be the level of long-term program sustainability in some states. According to a model developed by Saint Louis University researchers, the five elements critical to tobacco control sustainability are state political and financial climate; community awareness and capacity; program structure and administration; funding stability and planning; and surveillance and evaluation.