Related Experiment Videos
Breast abscess during the neonatal period. A review
Insights
Neonatal breast abscesses, primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, are common in infants within the first three weeks of life. While more frequent in girls after two weeks, early incidence is equal between sexes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Breast abscesses in neonates are relatively uncommon but can cause significant concern.
- Understanding the epidemiology and causative agents is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics, incidence, and microbiological profile of breast abscesses in a cohort of infants.
- To identify risk factors and common pathogens associated with neonatal breast abscesses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 39 infants diagnosed with breast abscess.
- Clinical data collection including age, sex, lesion development, systemic manifestations, and microbiological cultures.
- Follow-up assessment for long-term outcomes.
Main Results:
- Eighty-four percent of abscesses occurred within the first three weeks of life.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen (32/36 cultures), with other bacteria including Salmonella and Escherichia coli.
- Systemic manifestations were infrequent, with fever (≥38.3°C) in 25.7% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal breast abscesses are typically monomicrobial, with S. aureus being the most common isolate.
- The majority of cases develop early in infancy, with a higher incidence in girls after the first two weeks.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are essential for managing this condition.
Abstract:
Thirty-nine infants ranging in age from 1 to 7 weeks had breast abscess. The lesion occurred more frequently in girls (girl/boy ratio, 1.8:1), but this was due to cases developing after 2 weeks of age. During the first two weeks, the sex incidence was equal. No bilateral lesions were recorded. Eighty-four percent of the abscesses developed during the first three weeks of life. In general, there was a lack of systemic manifestations; a body temperature of 38.3 C (101 F) or more was found in only 25.7% of the patients and constitutional signs were found in four patients. Abscess cultures were obtained in 36 cases: 32 yielded Staphylococcus aureus, two Salmonella, one Escherichia coli, and one yielded both S aureus and E coli. Of six patients available for follow-up, decreased breast tissue was noted in two.