Mastitis

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Background

  • Inflammation of the breast tissue - can be infectious or non-infectious in etiology.[1]
    • Continuum of disease - Plugged ducts → engorgement → non-infectious inflammation → infectious inflammation → abscess
    • Infection occurs due to bacterial colonization secondary to areolar inflammation and glandular obstruction
  • Often occurs during the first few weeks to months postpartum, usually staph species with breast milk as culture medium
  • Post-menopausal usually due to E. coli, Group D strep, Staph, anaerobes[2][3]
    • Usually sub-areolar area due to chronic duct inflammation
    • 40% recurrence rates even after I&D
  • Neonatal mastitis management is controversial, but typically requires IV and/or PO antibiotics with good staph coverage

Clinical Features

  • Erythematous region on breast with well-localized area of tenderness
  • Fever/chills
  • Flu-like symptoms

Differential Diagnosis

Postpartum Emergencies

Diagostic Evaluation

  • Ultrasound useful to identify abscess
  • Routine labs not indicated unless[1]:
    • Treatment failure
    • Recurrent episodes
    • Hospital-acquired
    • Severe cases with systemic illness

Management

  • No need to routinely interrupt breastfeeding with puerperal mastitis.
  • For mild symptoms <24 hours, supportive care may be sufficient[1]
    • Effective milk removal (frequent breast feeding - use pumping to augment milk removal)
    • Analgesia (NSAIDs)

Antibiotics

Treatment directed at S. aureus and Strep and E. coli

Disposition

  • Admit for OR drainage if abscess suspected/identified
  • Otherwise discharge

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Amir LH. ABM Clinical Protocol #4: Mastitis, Revised March 2014. Breastfeeding Medicine. 2014;9(5):239-243. doi:10.1089/bfm.2014.9984.
  2. Eryilmaz R et al. Management of lactational breast abscesses. Breast. Oct 2005;14(5):375-9.
  3. Dixon JM. Outpatient treatment of non-lactational breast abscesses. Br J Surg. Jan 1992;79(1):56-7.
  4. Levine BL. 2011 EMRA Antibiotic Guide. EMRA. Pg 78.