What Causes Neonatal Mastitis?

Discussion Breast hypertrophy secondary to maternal hormones is common in neonates but neonatal mastitis is uncommon and relatively little is written in the literature. One study says “[m]ajor pediatric institutions can expect to see one to three cases per year.” Neonatal mastitis usually occurs between 2-8 weeks after birth in full term infants. Some studies report a peak occurence at 2-3 weeks and others at 4-5 weeks. It generally does not occur in preterm infants and this is thought to be because of underdeveloped breast tissue. Most studies report a higher incidence in females. Symptoms include redness, swelling, induration, fluctuance, purulent nipple discharge and lymph node enlargement on the same side. Irritability as only sign has also been documented. Infants are often well appearing but may have fever and laboratory testing may show signs of infection such as increased white blood cell counts, and C-reactive protein levels. Neonatal patients have an increased risk of abscess formation occurring in 40-50% of patients in some studies. Bacteremia has been reported in ~4% of patients. Bacterial meningitis is reportedly low, but lumbar puncture may be performed because of neonates age and symptoms. Treatment is variable but most people recommend hospitalization and parenteral antibiotics especially because of the age and risk of abscess formation. Total antibiotic duration is variable but studies report 7-14 total days. Ultrasound examination for potenti...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news
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