Incidence of breast abscess in lactating women: report from an Australian cohort.
OBJECTIVE
To report the incidence of breast abscess in lactating women.


METHODS
Data were combined from two studies (a randomised controlled trial and a survey) to provide a cohort of women for this report.


METHODS
Women were recruited from two hospitals on one site in Melbourne, Victoria, the Royal Women's Hospital (public) (1999-2001) and Frances Perry House (private) (2000-2001).


METHODS
A total of 1193 of 1311 (91%) primiparous, English-speaking women from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those receiving public clinic care, private care and birth centre care.


METHODS
A structured telephone interview was conducted on breastfeeding at six months postpartum.


METHODS
Lactational mastitis and breast abscess.


RESULTS
Two hundred and seven women experienced mastitis. Five women developed a breast abscess: 0.4% of women who commenced breastfeeding (95% CI 0.14-0.98); 2.9% of women who took antibiotics for mastitis (95% CI 1.0-6.7).


CONCLUSIONS
Although many authors estimate that 11% of women with mastitis develop a breast abscess, the incidence of lactating breast abscesses in Australia appears to be lower than reported in the past. Our estimate is that 3% of women with mastitis will develop a breast abscess.
Amir
Lisa H
LH
Centre for the Study of Mothers' and Children's Health, La Trobe University, 251 Faraday Street, Carlton 3053, Australia.
Forster
Della
D
McLachlan
Helen
H
Lumley
Judith
J
D000038:Abscess / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology; D008413:Mastitis / Q000453:epidemiology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology