Subclinical mastitis is common among Ghanaian women lactating 3 to 4 months postpartum

Type Journal Article - Journal of Human Lactation
Title Subclinical mastitis is common among Ghanaian women lactating 3 to 4 months postpartum
Author(s)
Volume 24
Issue 3
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2008
Page numbers 263-267
URL http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Richmond_Aryeetey/publication/23158472_Subclinical_mastitis_is_c​ommon_among_Ghanaian_women_lactating_3_to_4_months_postpartum/links/00b4951df2fa9ddbe8000000.pdf
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.

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