Rifampicin for Idiopathic Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis: A Promising Alternative for Treatment

Area of Science:

• Inflammatory Breast Disease Research
• Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Therapeutics

Background:

• Idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis (IGLM) is a chronic inflammatory breast condition.
• It presents with masses, abscesses, and sinus formation, often recurring after treatment.
• Current treatments like surgery and corticosteroids have high recurrence rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Rifampicin as a potential standalone therapy for IGLM.
• To compare Rifampicin's efficacy against standard treatments (surgery, corticosteroids).
• To assess treatment duration and patient outcomes for Rifampicin in IGLM.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 30 IGLM patients diagnosed via core needle biopsy.
• Patients received Rifampicin (300 mg twice daily) for 6 or 9 months.
• Clinical and ultrasonographic responses were monitored for 12 months post-therapy.

Main Results:

• All 30 patients achieved complete clinical and ultrasonographic response within 12 months.
• Treatment durations were 6 months for 18 patients and 9 months for 12 patients.
• No serious side effects were reported, and no relapses occurred during a median 15.5-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Rifampicin monotherapy is effective for IGLM treatment.
• A 6-9 month course of Rifampicin provides a viable alternative to surgery and corticosteroids.
• This approach shows promise for managing IGLM with sustained remission.