Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast with or without infection. Delayed or inadequate mastitis treatment can lead to serious problems, such as breast abscesses. Understanding the factors associated with severe cases of mastitis could help improve the care and support required to prevent severe conditions.
In Japan, efforts have been made to improve the care of mastitis. For instance, the Japanese Midwives Association published the Standards of Mastitis Care in 2013 to unify and assure the quality of breast care, and these guidelines have been regularly updated. In 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan established a medical service fee for preventive care and guidance for worsening mastitis. The introduction of the fee marked a significant milestone as midwifery care for mastitis was covered by health insurance for the first time in Japan.
Professor Megumi Haruna and her research team conducted multi-professional collaborative research to identify factors associated with surgical treatment after the diagnosis of mastitis or breast abscess during the postpartum period.
“This study is the first report in Japan on the prevalence and risk factors associated with surgical treatment after a diagnosis of mastitis or breast abscess,” said Chihiro Sugawara, the first author of the study published in Breastfeeding Medicine.
The study’s results revealed that the proportion of mothers diagnosed
with mastitis or breast abscess within one year after childbirth was 10.8%. The results also showed that the first diagnosis of breast abscess and having a first child— compared to those with a second or later child—were associated with requiring surgical treatment.
“Healthcare professionals providing postpartum care should be aware of the factors denoted in the current study. The current results may be used as baseline data for future evaluation of the impact of health insurance schemes on trends in mastitis, breast abscess, and subsequent surgical treatment,” said Prof. Haruna.