[Classification and management of mastocytosis in the child].
OBJECTIVE
Mastocytosis is a frequently observed condition in children. We analyzed the initial manifestations and clinical course.


METHODS
We restrospectively studied 49 cases of mastocytosis in children (29 boys and 20 girls) managed in our unit between 1985 and 1995. All of the children had typical manifestations. Photographic documents were available in all cases.


RESULTS
There was pigmentary urticaria in 32 cases and a mastocytoma in 17. Axanthelasmoid aspect and bullae were observed in some cases in both of these clinical forms. Complementary explorations demonstrated one case of duodenal mast cell infiltration. Excepting the case with skin and duodenal manifestation, all of our patients improved and clinical cure was obtained during growth.


CONCLUSIONS
The association of dermal atopia and mastocytosis does not influence the clinical course of these two conditions. The development of bullae does not appear to be a factor of poor prognosis. The xanthelasmoid aspect of the lesions and the similar course in childhood mastocytosis and juvenile xanthogranulma would suggest that a common process with a histological spectrum including mastocytoma and xanthoma is involved. In our experience, counselling against the use of anti-cough medicines containing codeine is an essential part of management. Antihistamine agents may be prescribed for pruritus.
Loubeyres
S
S
Unité de dermatologie pédiatrique, Hôpital Pellegrin-Enfants, Bordeaux.
Léaute-Labrèze
C
C
Roul
S
S
Labbé
L
L
Bioulac-Sage
P
P
Taieb
A
A
D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004386:Duodenum / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D014582:Urticaria Pigmentosa / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy