Initial nipple damages in breastfeeding women: analysis of photographic images and clinical associations / Lesiones tempranas del pezón derivadas de la lactancia materna: análisis de imágenes fotográficas y asociaciones clínicas / Lesões mamilares precoces decorrentes da amamentação: análise de imagens fotográficas e associações clínicas

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the initial nipple damage degree by breastfeeding practice and to associate findings with clinical manifestations of breastfeeding women. Methods: a retrospective, cross-sectional study with primary data and photographic images database from two randomized clinical trials. Photographic images were analyzed by two independent evaluators using the Nipple Trauma Score. For analysis, the chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests and Kappa coefficient were applied. Results: 115 breastfeeding women and their respective 186 photographic images were analyzed. The degree of agreement of evaluators using the Nipple Trauma Score was 93.6%. The nipple pain score during breastfeeding was moderate and compromised more than 25% of the nipple surface area. Conclusions: assistance to breastfeeding women should prioritize nipple pain intensity instead of the nipple damage size.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el grado de afectación tisular en las lesiones tempranas del pezón resultantes de la lactancia materna y asociar los hallazgos con las manifestaciones clínicas de las mujeres que amamantan. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo, transversal, con datos primarios y banco de imágenes fotográficas de dos ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Las imágenes fotográficas fueron analizadas por dos evaluadores independientes, utilizando el Nipple Trauma Score. Para el análisis se aplicaron las pruebas de Chi-Cuadrado, Mann-Whitney y coeficiente Kappa. Resultados: se analizaron 115 mujeres lactantes y sus respectivas 186 imágenes fotográficas. El grado de acuerdo de los evaluadores utilizando el Nipple Trauma Score fue del 93,6%. El nivel de dolor en el pezón durante la lactancia es moderado y existe presencia de lesiones del pezón con más del 25% de la superficie del pezón comprometida. Conclusiones: la asistencia a la mujer lactante debe priorizar el nivel de dolor que presenta en detrimento del tamaño de la lesión del pezón.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o grau de comprometimento tecidual das lesões mamilares precoces decorrentes da amamentação e associar achados com as manifestações clínicas de mulheres em amamentação. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo, transversal, envolvendo o uso de dados primários e de banco de imagens fotográficas provenientes de dois ensaios clínicos randomizados. Imagens fotográficas foram analisadas por duas avaliadoras independentes a partir do instrumento Nipple Trauma Score. Para análise, aplicou-se os testes Qui-Quadrado, Mann-Whitney e coeficiente Kappa. Resultados: foram analisadas 115 lactantes e respectivas 186 imagens fotográficas. O grau de concordância das avaliadoras pelo instrumento Nipple Trauma Score foi de 93,6%. O nível de dor mamilar encontrado durante as mamadas é moderado e há presença de lesões mamilares com mais de 25% de área da superfície do mamilo comprometida. Conclusões: a assistência a mulheres que amamentam deve priorizar o nível de dor apresentado em detrimento do tamanho da lesão mamilar.

Initial nipple damages in breastfeeding women: analysis of photographic images and clinical associations.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the initial nipple damage degree by breastfeeding practice and to associate findings with clinical manifestations of breastfeeding women. METHODS: a retrospective, cross-sectional study with primary data and photographic images database from two randomized clinical trials. Photographic images were analyzed by two independent evaluators using the Nipple Trauma Score. For analysis, the chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests and Kappa coefficient were applied. RESULTS: 115 breastfeeding women and their respective 186 photographic images were analyzed. The degree of agreement of evaluators using the Nipple Trauma Score was 93.6%. The nipple pain score during breastfeeding was moderate and compromised more than 25% of the nipple surface area. CONCLUSIONS: assistance to breastfeeding women should prioritize nipple pain intensity instead of the nipple damage size.

The effect of a single irradiation of low-level laser on nipple pain in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial.

Photobiomodulation with low-level laser therapy (PBM-LLLT) has been introduced as a new tool to relieve nipple pain and repair nipple damage in breastfeeding women; however, evidence is needed to assess its effectiveness. The aim was to evaluate the effect of a single application of PBM-LLLT for breastfeeding women with nipple pain and damage; side effects were also collected. We conducted a randomized double-blinded controlled trial with women with nipple damage who were exclusively breastfeeding and rooming-in at Amparo Maternal maternity service, São Paulo, Brazil (May 2016 to May 2017). Women were randomly assigned into laser (n = 40) or control group (n = 40). Intervention was a single irradiation (660 nm, 100 mW, 2 J, 66.66 J/cm2, 3.3 W/cm2, 20 s of irradiation, punctual, and continuous mode) applied directly. Women reported pain levels at recruitment (before and immediately after irradiation), 6 and 24 h after the treatment. Pain level during a breastfeed was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (0 to 10). The primary outcome was the level of nipple pain immediately after the laser irradiation. Data were analyzed using hierarchical model and Wald test. At baseline, pain levels were similar (mean of 7.4 in laser group and 7.1 in control group). Women's perception of pain reduced approximately one point in both groups. Thirty-one percent of participants in the laser group (11/36) reported secondary effects, such as tingling (10/36) and pricking (2/36). The laser protocol of a single application was not effective in reducing pain in women with damaged nipples. Tingling sensation may be experienced by women receiving laser treatment for nipple damage.