Original scientific paper
LACTATION MASTITIS: DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE FOR CROATIAN GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Željko Topić
; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Splitu
Irena Zakarija Grković
; Katedre obiteljske medicine i javnog zdravstva, Medicinski fakultet Sveu
Abstract
Introduction: Lactation mastitis (LM) is a common
inflammatory condition of the breast which, if not
treated promptly and properly, can result in serious
complications such as breast abscess or cessation
of breastfeeding. General practitioners (GPs) are
often mother’s first choice to call when in need
for professional advice and help during an episode
of LM. However, there are no relevant studies on
the prevalence and management of LM in GPs’
offices.
presents a diagnostic challenge for Croatian GPs
and how often Croatian breastfeeding mothers with
LM consult their GPs for advice and professional
help.
Participants and results: The study included
268 GPs. There was 64% of the total number of
respondents (171/268) who actually saw a patient
with LM in the previous 12 months. According to
respondents’ opinion, the most important causes
of LM are: milk stasis (77/140 = 55%), lack of
mothers’ preparation/education (21/140 = 15%) and
bacterial infection of the breast (19/140 = 14%).
Most common clinical signs and/or symptoms for
LM diagnosis were breast pain (139/152 = 91.4%),
erythema (125/152 = 82.2%) and fever (100/152 =
66%).
Conclusion: LM is a common condition among
Croatian GPs and does not represent a diagnostic
challenge for them.
Keywords
lactation mastitis; breastfeeding; general practitioners; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
138056
URI
Publication date:
21.4.2015.
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