Breast health problems are rare in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women who receive counseling and support for breast-feeding in South Africa

Bland, R.M., Becquet, R., Rollins, N.C., Coutsoudis, A., Coovadia, H.M. and Newell, M.L. (2007) Breast health problems are rare in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women who receive counseling and support for breast-feeding in South Africa. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 45(11), pp. 1502-1510. (doi: 10.1086/523320)

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Abstract

<p>Background: Breast problems, including mastitis, can interfere with the duration and exclusivity of breast-feeding. However, there are no large prospective studies documenting the prevalence, duration, and timing of such problems in breast-feeding women, particularly those who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).</p> <p>Methods: Women enrolled prenatally underwent a breast-feeding counseling intervention until 6 months after delivery. Breast health problems were documented per breast for 180 days after delivery, with 14-day recall histories.</p> <p>Results: Breast health problems were rare, and there were no significant differences between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women for any of the following conditions: engorgement, 39 HIV-infected women (3.5%) versus 33 HIV-uninfected women (2.7%; P = .30); breast thrush, 17 (1.5%) versus 12 (1.0%; P = .25); bleeding nipple, 6 (0.5%) versus 4 (0.3%; P = .45); and mastitis/abscess, 11 (1.0%) versus 6 (0.5%; P = .17). Most problems occurred during the first month after birth, with few additional mothers experiencing problems after this point: at 1 and 6 months, 13% and 17% of all mothers, respectively, had experienced a minor or major breast health problem, including sore nipples. Women who had not exclusively breast-fed their infants were more likely to experience any of the breast health problems than were women who had exclusively breast-fed their infants (time-dependent variable; adjusted odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.87; P = .003). HIV-infected women who experienced any serious breast health problem (i.e., bleeding nipple, pus oozing from a nipple or breast, or mastitis/abscess) were 3.55 times (95% confidence interval, 0.86–14.78 times; P = .08) more likely to transmit HIV postnatally to their infant.</p> <p>Conclusions: With encouragement to exclusively breast-feed, women experienced few breast health problems. When those problems did occur, HIV-infected women with bleeding nipple, pus oozing from a nipple or breast, or mastitis/abscess were more likely to transmit HIV to their infants.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bland, Dr Ruth
Authors: Bland, R.M., Becquet, R., Rollins, N.C., Coutsoudis, A., Coovadia, H.M., and Newell, M.L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
Journal Name:Clinical Infectious Diseases
ISSN:1058-4838
ISSN (Online):1537-6591

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