Literature review for - Flourish Paediatrics

Breast Abscess
Search results
The initial search of the databases included 87 references on breast abscess formation during
lactation. Data were extracted from 13 references, and 7 publications were used to form the
final body of evidence statements. Sufficient evidence was found to make statements on the
incidence of breast abscesses in lactating women. Additional evidence was found on the
prevention and management of breast abscess, but the evidence was not strong enough to
develop a body of evidence statement.
PREVALENCE OF BREAST ABSCESS DURING LACTATION
What is the prevalence of breast abscess in lactating women?
Draft Evidence Statement
Draft Grade
Draft Evidence Statement
Draft Grade
Component Rating Notes
Evidence Base
Consistency
Clinical impact
Generalisability
Approximately 0.1 – 0.5% of lactating women develop
a breast abscess in developed countries, including
Australia.
D
Approximately 3-10% of lactating women with
inflammatory symptoms of the breast later developed a
breast abscess
D
Satisfactory 6 studies [1 Cochrane review, 1 RCT, 2 cohort, 1 crosssectional
(4P, 1N)]
Satisfactory RCT found 0.1% of the population of women who
delivered during the study period developed a breast
abscess, cohort study found 0.1% of postpartum
mothers required surgery due to a breast abscess, the
cohort study found 0.4% of women who commenced
breastfeeding developed a breast abscess No cases of
abscess were reported in a cohort of 300 mothers. RCT
found 3.3% of women with inflammatory symptoms of
breast developed a breast abscess, RCT included in
Cochrane review found 11% of mastitis cases with no
intervention developed an abscess.
Prevalence
only
Breast abscess formation is relatively rare among
lactating women
Satisfactory Most studies conducted in developed countries,
including Australia and New Zealand
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