title: Subclinical mastitis is common among Ghanaian women lactating 3 to 4 months postpartum.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
authors.forename: Richmond N O
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Aryeetey
authors.forename: Grace S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Marquis
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Timms
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lartey
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brakohiapa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008413:Mastitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008423:Maternal Age; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis*; D015995:Prevalence; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium