A new study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that continuing medical education (CME) significantly improves allergists’ ability to diagnose and manage systemic mastocytosis (SM).
SM is characterized by abnormal accumulation of mast cells in internal organs, leading to a broad array of symptoms. These include flushing, hives, gastrointestinal issues and bone pain, as well as severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. Because symptoms overlap with many common allergic or gastrointestinal conditions, SM often goes unrecognized.
Learn more about SM signs and symptoms
In the study, which was presented at the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, researchers provided a targeted CME intervention to 70 practicing allergists and immunologists. The CME, developed by Medscape Education and The Mast Cell Disease Society, consisted of a 30-minute online video of a panel discussion with three faculty members. Study subjects answered questions both before and after the CME intervention to assess their knowledge of SM and their confidence in diagnosing and management of the disease.
According to the results, participation in the educational program led to measurable improvements in participants’ knowledge, competence and confidence. Specifically, the CME course led to a 74% relative increase in knowledge of the presentation of SM symptoms, a 16% relative increase in competence in making a timely SM diagnosis and a 39% relative increase in confidence in working with a multidisciplinary care team to treat the disease.
Given the rarity and clinical complexity of SM, the study underscores the value of focused educational initiatives for rare diseases. The study authors conclude that equipping allergists with updated knowledge about SM can lead to earlier detection, more accurate diagnoses and better patient care.
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