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Expanding disease spectrum associated with puerperal mastitis
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Creighton University School of Medicine 601 North 30th Street Omaha NE 68131 USA.
Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Puerperal mastitis, commonly localized, can lead to severe extramammary complications. This report details two cases involving Staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococci, highlighting the need to broaden the disease spectrum associated with postpartum mastitis.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Puerperal mastitis is typically a localized infection.
- Common causative agents include Staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococci.
- This condition can occasionally lead to extramammary involvement and increased morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of postpartum mastitis with unusual extramammary complications.
- To emphasize the potential for severe outcomes beyond localized infection.
- To suggest expanding the recognized spectrum of puerperal mastitis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two patients with postpartum mastitis.
- Detailed clinical presentation and management of each case.
- Microbiological identification of causative pathogens.
Main Results:
- Case 1: Postpartum mastitis complicated by necrotizing fasciitis due to group A streptococci.
- Case 2: Postpartum mastitis complicated by toxic shock syndrome (TSS) due to Staphylococcus aureus.
- Both cases demonstrated significant extramammary spread and severe morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Puerperal mastitis can present with severe, disseminated disease.
- Necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome are potential, albeit rare, complications.
- The clinical spectrum of puerperal mastitis should be considered broader than localized infection.
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