Subclinical mastitis is common among Ghanaian women lactating 3 to 4 months postpartum

J Hum Lact. 2008 Aug;24(3):263-7. doi: 10.1177/0890334408316077.

Abstract

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an asymptomatic inflammation of mammary tissue and has been associated with lactation failure, suboptimal growth in early infancy, and increased risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV via breast milk. A rapid survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of SCM among lactating Ghanaian women between 3 and 4 months postpartum. Bilateral breast milk samples were obtained from 117 lactating women in Manya Krobo, Ghana and analyzed for sodium (Na) and potassium (K). An elevated sodium/potassium ratio (Na/K) above 1.0 was considered indicative of SCM. Overall, SCM prevalence was observed among 45.3% of the women. About 30% of the women had unilateral SCM. Na/K was associated with maternal age. The high SCM prevalence in Manya Krobo suggests the need for lactation support to reduce SCM and the risk of poor infant outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Ghana / epidemiology
  • Growth*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Mastitis / diagnosis
  • Mastitis / epidemiology*
  • Maternal Age
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Potassium / analysis*
  • Prevalence
  • Sodium / analysis*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Sodium
  • Potassium