Mycoplasma bovis subverts autophagy to promote intracellular replication in bovine mammary epithelial cells cultured in vitro.

Mycoplasma species are the smallest prokaryotes capable of self-replication. To investigate Mycoplasma induced autophagy in mammalian cells, Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) and bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) were used in an in vitro infection model. Initially, intracellular M. bovis was enclosed within a membrane-like structure in bMEC, as viewed with transmission electron microscopy. In infected bMEC, increased LC3II was verified by Western blotting, RT-PCR and laser confocal microscopy, confirming autophagy at 1, 3 and 6 h post-infection (hpi), with a peak at 6 hpi. However, the M. bovis-induced autophagy flux was subsequently blocked. P62 degradation in infected bMEC was inhibited at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hpi, based on Western blotting and RT-PCR. Beclin1 expression decreased at 12 and 24 hpi. Furthermore, autophagosome maturation was subverted by M. bovis. Autophagosome acidification was inhibited by M. bovis infection, based on detection of mCherry-GFP-LC3 labeled autophagosomes; the decreases in protein levels of Lamp-2a indicate that the lysosomes were impaired by infection. In contrast, activation of autophagy (with rapamycin or HBSS) overcame the M. bovis-induced blockade in phagosome maturation by increasing delivery of M. bovis to the lysosome, with a concurrent decrease in intracellular M. bovis replication. In conclusion, although M. bovis infection induced autophagy in bMEC, the autophagy flux was subsequently impaired by inhibiting autophagosome maturation. Therefore, we conclude that M. bovis subverted autophagy to promote its intracellular replication in bMEC. These findings are the impetus for future studies to further characterize interactions between M. bovis and mammalian host cells.

LsrR, the effector of AI-2 quorum sensing, is vital for the H2O2 stress response in mammary pathogenic Escherichia coli.

Mammary pathogenic Escherichia coli (MPEC) is an important causative agent of mastitis in dairy cows that results in reduced milk quality and production, and is responsible for severe economic losses in the dairy industry worldwide. Oxidative stress, as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, is a stress factor that is common in most bacterial habitats. The presence of ROS can damage cellular sites, including iron-sulfur clusters, cysteine and methionine protein residues, and DNA, and may cause bacterial cell death. Previous studies have reported that Autoinducer 2 (AI-2) can regulate E. coli antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity by mediating the intracellular receptor protein LsrR. This study explored the regulatory mechanism of LsrR on the H2O2 stress response in MPEC, showing that the transcript levels of lsrR significantly decreased under H2O2 stress conditions. The survival cell count of lsrR mutant XW10/pSTV28 was increased about 3080-fold when compared with that of the wild-type WT/pSTV28 in the presence of H2O2 and overexpression of lsrR (XW10/pUClsrR) resulted in a decrease in bacterial survival rates under these conditions. The ß-galactosidase reporter assays showed that mutation of lsrR led to a remarkable increase in expression of the promoters of ahpCF, katG and oxyR, while lsrR-overexpressing significantly reduced the expression of ahpCF and katG. The electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that LsrR could directly bind to the promoter regions of ahpCF and katG. These results revealed the important role played by LsrR in the oxidative stress response of MPEC.

Case series on variable presentations of tuberculosis of the breast.

Tuberculosis (TB) of the breast is extremely rare and is often mistaken for benign or malignant lesions of the breast. They are rare even in countries which are endemic for TB, like India. The most common type of clinical presentation is a vague lump in the breast, but there are even other types of presentations which are documented. In olden days, there was a lot of dilemma and challenge in diagnosing TB of the breast, but thanks to improved pathological knowledge and the advent of investigations such as QuantiFERON-TB gold and GeneXpert, TB can be diagnosed early nowadays and treated accordingly. In this study series, we report 10 cases of TB of the breast with variable clinical presentations as fibroadenosis, breast abscess, duct ectasia and breast lump on evaluation, and the challenges encountered in establishing the diagnosis.

Clinical Presentations of Breast Disorders in Pregnancy and Lactation.

The breast tissue undergoes significant physiological change during pregnancy and lactation. These changes can give rise to some unique disorders during pregnancy , puerperium and lactation or exaggerate pre-existing conditions. Clinical examination becomes less reliable due to textural change and density of breast tissue as a result of hormonal changes. The main symptoms during pregnancy and lactation are breast pain, mastitis, lactational abscess, breast lump, and blood- stained nipple discharge.Lactational mastitis/ abscess must be treated without delay. Open incision and drainage of lactational abscess is rarely required, any lactational abscess should be treated with appropriate antibiotics and ultrasound guided aspiration of the pus.Any breast lump during pregnancy and lactation should be investigated with triple assessment. Pregnancy associated breast cancer (PABC ) must be ruled out. The choice of investigations and treatment needs careful consideration. While ultrasound is the investigation of choice, mammography can be performed with abdominal shielding if malignancy is suspected. Core biopsy is necessary for evaluation of any breast pathology but it comes with risk of infection, bleeding, hematoma and even milk fistula.The treating clinical specialist must be aware of certain unusual unique clinical conditions in pregnancy and lactation including accessory axillary breast tissue, gigantomastia and Raynaud's phenomenon.

Surgical Correction of Breast Animation Deformity with Implant Pocket Conversion to a Prepectoral Plane.

BACKGROUND: Animation deformity is an undesirable outcome of subpectoral breast reconstruction that results in abnormal breast contraction with activity, breast pain, and increased implant visibility. Surgical correction requires implant removal and conversion of the reconstruction to a prepectoral plane. The authors present their institutional experience with their preferred surgical technique to treat this challenging problem and outline solutions for increased success in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing conversion of their subpectoral breast reconstruction to a prepectoral plane at the authors' institution. Patient demographics and surgical details were analyzed, and postoperative outcomes and morbidity were assessed. The effects of changing operative strategies on enhanced success are also reported. RESULTS: A total of 80 breast conversions were performed over a 2.5-year period. All patients demonstrated resolution of animation deformity at a mean follow-up of 15.2 months. Two reconstructions (2.5 percent) required an unplanned return to the operating room, and 11 reconstructions (13.8 percent) were treated for infection. Preconversion fat grafting and the use of acellular dermal matrix were both associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative asymmetry and capsular contracture (p < 0.05). There were no reconstructive failures associated with conversion to a prepectoral pocket. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of animation deformity in the reconstructed patient can be safely performed by surgical conversion to a prepectoral plane. The use of acellular dermal matrix, and preconversion fat grafting, in appropriate patients can improve results. The authors promote this operative algorithm for all reconstructive patients experiencing symptomatic animation deformity with subpectoral breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Theoretical and practical knowledge curriculum for European Breast Surgeons.

The Breast Surgery theoretical and practical knowledge curriculum comprehensively describes the knowledge and skills expected of a fully trained breast surgeon practicing in the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). It forms part of a range of factors that contribute to the delivery of high quality cancer care. It has been developed by a panel of experts from across Europe and has been validated by professional breast surgery societies in Europe. The curriculum maps closely to the syllabus of the Union of European Medical Specialists (UEMS) Breast Surgery Exam, the UK FRCS (breast specialist interest) curriculum and other professional standards across Europe and globally (USA Society of Surgical Oncology, SSO). It is envisioned that this will serve as the basis for breast surgery training, examination and accreditation across Europe to harmonise and raise standards as breast surgery develops as a separate discipline from its parent specialties (general surgery, gynaecology, surgical oncology and plastic surgery). The curriculum is not static but will be revised and updated by the curriculum development group of the European Breast Surgical Oncology Certification group (BRESO) every 2 years.

Breast tuberculosis in East London: A 13-year retrospective observational study.

SETTING: Breast tuberculosis (TB) is rare in Western Europe, and its diagnosis may be delayed through lack of awareness of presenting features. Our institution serves a large East London population with a high incidence of TB. OBJECTIVE: To characterize presenting features and avoidable diagnostic delay in breast TB patients. DESIGN: We conducted a 13-year retrospective study of breast TB patients treated at our institution including demographic, clinical, microbiology, and pathology data. RESULTS: Forty-seven cases were included; 44 (94%) were female, with a median age of 33 years (IQR 28.5-39.5). The main presenting feature was a breast lump in 41 cases (87%); which were predominantly solitary unilateral lesions (25, 61%) and frequently located in the upper outer quadrant (28, 68%). Where performed, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured in 15/36 (42%) cases. Granulomata were present on biopsy or aspirate in 21 (47%) and 17 (36%) cases, respectively. The median duration between symptom onset and treatment was 20 weeks (IQR 15-30). Forty-six (98%) completed treatment successfully and one relapsed. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion for TB is required for individuals presenting with breast symptoms from countries where TB is endemic. Development of standardized pathways may improve detection and management of breast TB may reduce diagnostic delay.

Strain histograms used for differential diagnosis of breast masses according to hardness percentage.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of percentage of hard component (PHC) versus strain ratio (SR) in focal breast lesion diagnosis.Ultrasonography and elastography images of 245 malignant and 255 benign breast lesions were obtained and analyzed according to the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System of the American College of Radiology. PHC and SR were measured for each lesion and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasound (CU) only, PHC with CU, and SR with CU.Mean PHC differed significantly between malignant (90.46 ±â€Š13.29) and benign (62.03 ±â€Š25.61) lesions. Mean SR differed significantly between malignant (4.61 ±â€Š1.75) and benign (2.34 ±â€Š1.80) lesions. ROC curve threshold values were 82.45 for PHC and 2.69 for SR. The area under the curve values for CU, SR with CU, and PHC with CU were 0.956, 0.960, and 0.956, respectively, with no significant differences among them (P < .05).PHC was comparable to SR for differentiating malignant from benign breast masses and may be an auxiliary tool for breast lesion stiffness evaluation. ROC data for CU, SR with CU, and PHC with CU were statistically similar.

Body composition patterns and breast cancer risk in Chinese women with breast diseases: A latent class analysis.

AIMS: To identify unobserved body composition patterns among Chinese women with breast diseases using latent class analysis (LCA) and to examine the relationship between body composition patterns and breast cancer (BC) risk. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Female patients (N = 1816) with breast diseases were included in the study from April 2016 - March 2017. Body composition measures were done by the bioelectrical impedance analysis. The LCA models were estimated using Mplus 8.1. RESULTS: Four latent classes were identified based on water, protein, minerals and body fat mass: Class 1 - Low Muscle Mass class; Class 2 - High Body Composition class; Class 3 - High Fat class; and Class 4 - Normal Body Composition Class. Classes 2 and 3 are higher risk classes for developing BC compared with the other two classes (p < 0.05). Overall, age is positively associated with the odds of BC development (p < 0.001). However, age effect depends on the body composition patterns. Age effect on the odds of BC was statistically significant only for women who had least body fat mass (Class 1, OR = 1.110, 95% C.I.: 1.084-1.136) or had normal body composition (Class 4, OR = 1.090, 95% C.I.: 1.036-1.147). The effect of age was not statistically significant if women had higher risk body composition (e.g., in Classes 2 or 3). CONCLUSION: Latent Class Analysis is a useful person-centred analytical approach for identification of unobserved patterns of body composition and it could be used to predict the risk of BC and develop personalized interventions for body composition studies.

Kidney function, proteinuria and breast arterial calcification in women without clinical cardiovascular disease: The MINERVA study.

BACKGROUND: Breast arterial calcification (BAC) may be a predictor of cardiovascular events and is highly prevalent in persons with end-stage kidney disease. However, few studies to date have examined the association between mild-to-moderate kidney function and proteinuria with BAC. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled women with no prior cardiovascular disease aged 60 to 79 years undergoing mammography screening at Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 10/24/2012 and 2/13/2015. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), along with specific laboratory, demographic, and medical data, were measured at the baseline visit. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), medication history, and other comorbidities were identified from self-report and/or electronic medical records. BAC presence and gradation (mass) was measured by digital quantification of full-field mammograms. RESULTS: Among 3,507 participants, 24.5% were aged ≥70 years, 63.5% were white, 7.5% had eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2, with 85.7% having uACR ≥30 mg/g and 3.3% having uACR ≥300 mg/g. The prevalence of any measured BAC (>0 mg) was 27.9%. Neither uACR ≥30 mg/g nor uACR ≥300 were significantly associated with BAC in crude or multivariable analyses. Reduced eGFR was associated with BAC in univariate analyses (odds ratio 1.53, 95% CI: 1.18-2.00), but the association was no longer significant after adjustment for potential confounders. Results were similar in various sensitivity analyses that used different BAC thresholds or analytic approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Among women without cardiovascular disease undergoing mammography screening, reduced eGFR and albuminuria were not significantly associated with BAC.

Exploring of the Unpredicted Effects of Olfactory Network Injuries on Mammary Gland Degeneration: A Preliminary Experimental Study.

Purpose of the study: Hypofunctioning breasts are typically considered a dysfunction of higher brain centers that regulate hormonal feedback, and olfactory information has been proposed as a triggering factor for lactation in the maternal body. However, there are no substantive studies regarding whether olfaction disorders and/or loss of olfactory sense may result in breast gland atrophy by causing diminished olfactory stimulation. To fill this gap in the literature, we studied the histologic features of breast glands as a sample model in animals that had undergone an olfactory bulb lesion (OBL). Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 22 rats. Six, eight, and six of them were used as control, SHAM, and OBL groups, respectively. After 10 weeks, the animals were decapitated. Olfactory bulbs and breast glands were stained with Hematoxylin-eosin and tunnel dye. Specimens were analyzed stereologically to evaluate the loss in volume of the olfactory bulbs, total breast follicle volume (TBFV) and Meissner's corpuscles per cubic centimeter, and these two senior metrics were compared with each other statistically. Results: Olfactory bulb volume loss and breast gland atrophy were both detected in study group. Mean TBFV and OB volumes were measured as: (296 ± 89) × 106 µm3/cm3 and 4.43 ± 0.98 mm3 in control (Group I); (264 ± 63) × 106 µm3/cm3 and 3.86 ± 0.81 mm3 in SHAM (Group II) and (194 ± 52) × 106 µm3/cm3 and 1.52 ± 0.36 mm3 in OBL group (Group III). It was noted that the TBFV was significantly diminished, with apoptotic degradation in the olfactory bulbs and breast glands of OBL-applied animals (p < 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that diminished milk secretion is attributable to the degradation of breast glands that results from olfaction loss in OBL animals.

Microcalcifications in breast cancer: From pathophysiology to diagnosis and prognosis.

The implementation of mammographic screening programmes in many countries has been linked to a marked increase in early detection and improved prognosis for breast cancer patients. Breast tumours can be detected by assessing several features in mammographic images but one of the most common are the presence of small deposits of calcium known as microcalcifications, which in many cases may be the only detectable sign of a breast tumour. In addition to their efficacy in the detection of breast cancer, the presence of microcalcifications within a breast tumour may also convey useful prognostic information. Breast tumours with associated calcifications display an increased rate of HER2 overexpression as well as decreased survival, increased risk of recurrence, high tumour grade and increased likelihood of spread to the lymph nodes. Clearly, the presence of microcalcifications in a tumour is a clinically significant finding, suggesting that a detailed understanding of their formation may improve our knowledge of the early stages of breast tumourigenesis, yet there are no reports which attempt to bring together recent basic science research findings and current knowledge of the clinical significance of microcalcifications. This review will summarise the most current understanding of the formation of calcifications within breast tissue and explore their associated clinical features and prognostic value.

Mondor's disease - a rare cause of chest pain: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Chest pain is one of the common presenting symptoms encountered in an emergency department. Prompt history taking and careful clinical examination do help to differentiate cardiac chest pain from other causes. Mondor's disease is a rare cause of chest pain which is often underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness. Mondor's disease is a condition characterized by thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of breast and anterior chest wall. The diagnosis is often made clinically. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a case of a 37-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil woman who presented with chest pain and was clinically diagnosed as having Mondor's disease after a physical examination, which was confirmed with demonstration of thrombophlebitis by ultrasound scan imaging. Although it is a self-limiting condition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the treatment to hasten recovery in addition to giving reassurance. CONCLUSIONS: Mondor's disease is not considered a differential diagnosis for chest pain due to lack of awareness of this medical condition. Creating awareness of this condition via this case would help to cut down unnecessary investigations and valuable time spent in emergency departments, and it helps to identify a serious underlying cause especially carcinoma of the breast at its early stage.

Breast development and disorders in the adolescent female.

Breast development in the female is a process that becomes noticeable during puberty, and defines a girl's transition into adulthood. Various conditions can disrupt or alter the normal development, which may lead to abnormal breast changes and features. Further, the finding of a breast mass in adolescence can be unsettling to the patient and her family. While the majority of these breast changes and/or masses tend to be benign and self-limited, the appropriate evaluation is always warranted. This chapter will focus on the normal and abnormal development of breasts. We will also discuss the evaluation and management of breast masses that can be found in the adolescent female.

Sexual function, anxiety and depression in women with benign breast disease. A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent, affecting 40% of the female population. The incidence of such dysfunction is known to be higher among women with malignant breast disease and in patients with depression or anxiety. However, there are few data regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with benign breast disease (BBD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of sexual dysfunction, depression and anxiety among women with BBD, in comparison with that observed for healthy women. METHOD: We evaluated the incidence of sexual dysfunction in 60 patients with benign breast disease (fibroadenomas, breast cysts, breast pain and phyllodes tumor) and 69 healthy women (control group). Participants completed the Sexual Quotient Questionnaire for Females (SQQ-F), the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analysis revealed that depression and anxiety were comparable between BBD and control groups (10.3 vs. 20.3% and 38.7 vs. 34.3%, respectively, p>0.05). The mean SQQ-F score (65.6±22.7 vs. 70.1±16.8; p>0.05) and sexual dysfunction (33.3 vs. 25.4%; p=0.324) were similar between BBD and control groups. CONCLUSION: We found no differences between women with BBD and healthy women in terms of the incidence of sexual dysfunction, anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, given the high prevalence of this condition, it is important to assess sexual quality of life, as well as overall quality of life, in women with BBD.

Sexual function, anxiety and depression in women with benign breast disease. A case-control study / Disfunção sexual, ansiedade e depressão em mulheres com câncer de mama benigno. Um estudo de caso-controle

Summary Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent, affecting 40% of the female population. The incidence of such dysfunction is known to be higher among women with malignant breast disease and in patients with depression or anxiety. However, there are few data regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with benign breast disease (BBD). Objective: To evaluate the incidence of sexual dysfunction, depression and anxiety among women with BBD, in comparison with that observed for healthy women. Method: We evaluated the incidence of sexual dysfunction in 60 patients with benign breast disease (fibroadenomas, breast cysts, breast pain and phyllodes tumor) and 69 healthy women (control group). Participants completed the Sexual Quotient Questionnaire for Females (SQQ-F), the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analysis revealed that depression and anxiety were comparable between BBD and control groups (10.3 vs. 20.3% and 38.7 vs. 34.3%, respectively, p>0.05). The mean SQQ-F score (65.6±22.7 vs. 70.1±16.8; p>0.05) and sexual dysfunction (33.3 vs. 25.4%; p=0.324) were similar between BBD and control groups. Conclusion: We found no differences between women with BBD and healthy women in terms of the incidence of sexual dysfunction, anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, given the high prevalence of this condition, it is important to assess sexual quality of life, as well as overall quality of life, in women with BBD.

Resumo Introdução: A disfunção sexual é altamente prevalente, afetando 40% da população feminina. A incidência de tal disfunção é conhecida por ser maior entre as mulheres com câncer de mama e pacientes com ansiedade e depressão. No entanto, existem poucos dados sobre a prevalência de disfunção sexual entre mulheres com doença benigna da mama (BBD). Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência de disfunção sexual, depressão e ansiedade em mulheres com BBD, em comparação a mulheres saudáveis. Método: Avaliamos a incidência de disfunção sexual em 60 pacientes com doença benigna da mama (fibroadenomas, cistos mamários, dor mamária e tumor phyllodes) e 69 mulheres saudáveis (grupo controle). As participantes completaram o Questionário de Quociente Sexual para Mulheres (SQQ-F), o Inventário de Depressão de Beck e o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck. A análise estatística revelou que a depressão e a ansiedade eram comparáveis entre os grupos BBD e controle (10,3 vs. 20,3% e 38,7 vs. 34,3%, respectivamente, p>0,05). O escore médio de SQQ-F (65,6±22,7 vs. 70,1±16,8; p>0,05) e a disfunção sexual (33,3 vs. 25,4%; p=0,324) foram semelhantes entre os grupos BBD e controle. Conclusão: Não encontramos diferenças entre mulheres com BBD e mulheres saudáveis em termos de incidência de disfunção sexual, ansiedade e depressão. No entanto, dada a alta prevalência dessa condição, é importante avaliar a qualidade de vida sexual, bem como a qualidade de vida global, em mulheres com BBD.

Dificuldades iniciais com a técnica da amamentação e fatores associados a problemas com a mama em puérperas / Initial breastfeeding difficulties and association with breast disorders among postpartum women

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de condições indicativas de dificuldades iniciais com a técnica da amamentação e verificar os fatores associados com a presença de problemas na mama em puérperaso em maternidades de Hospitais Amigos da Criança. Métodos: Estudo transversal, conduzido com 276 binômios mãe-lactente, aleatoriamente selecionados entre os atendimentos realizados em maternidades de três Hospitais Amigos da Criança do norte de Minas Gerais. Um protocolo de avaliação da técnica da mamada foi utilizado como instrumento. A associação entre as variáveis estudadas e os problemas com a mama foi identificada por meio do teste qui-quadrado, seguida de análise de regressão logística, admitindo-se o nível de significância de até 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: Os principais fatores indicativos de dificuldades iniciais com a técnica da amamentação foram a pega inadequada (25,0%), a resposta do bebê ao contato com a mama (26,1%) e os problemas com a mama (28,3%). No modelo final de regressão múltipla, associaram-se aos problemas na mama no puerpério imediato: mãe adolescente (OR 3,35; IC95% 1,51-7,44; p=0,003); escolaridade ≤8 anos (OR 2,07; IC95% 1,01-4,23; p=0,048); e o fato de ter recebido complemento alimentar na maternidade (OR 2,36; IC95% 1,40-4,92; p=0,003). O fato de trabalhar fora de casa (OR 0,31; IC95% 0,16-0,61; p=0,001) foi um fator de proteção no modelo final de regressão logística. Conclusões: Problemas com as mamas representaram a principal dificuldade inicial com a técnica da mamada e os fatores associados incluem variáveis demográficas e sociais ligadas à mãe e variáveis relacionadas às rotinas da maternidade.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the prevalence of difficulties in adopting initial breastfeeding techniques and their association with breast disorders in postpartum women. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out with 276 randomly selected mother-baby pairs in rooming-in in 3 hospitals in a city of Minas Gerais State (southeast Brazil). An assessment protocol was established to evaluate the breastfeeding technique used. The association between the variables studied and breast disorders was determined by the chi-square test followed by logistic regression, with significance level set at 0.05. Results: The main factors indicating difficulties to initiate the breastfeeding techniques were inadequate attachment of the baby to the breast (25%), baby response to the contact with the breast (26.1%) and breast disorders (28.3%). Variables associated with postparturm breast disorders were: adolescent mothers (OR 3.35; 95%CI 1.51-7.44; p=0.003); maternal schooling ≤8 years (OR 2.07; 95%CI 1.01-4.23; p=0.048); and supplement provision to the newborn at the hospital (OR 2.36; 95%CI 1.40-4.92; p=0.003). Mothers working outside the household (OR 0.31; 95%CI 0.16-0.61; p=0.001) served as as protective factor on the multivariate model. Conclusions: The main difficulties in initial breastfeeding were associated with breast disorders, and the factors associated with this problem included demographic and social, variables, as well as others related to the care routine adopted by maternity hospitals.

Progesterone-Containing Gel Does Not Eliminate Postpartum Breast Engorgement?

BACKGROUND: Severe breast engorgement can cause substantial discomfort for mothers and interfere with an infant's ability to feed at the breast. The aim of the study was to clarify the possibility that the percutaneous progesterone-containing gel (Progestogel) can eliminate severe postpartum breast engorgement in lactating women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty three patients were examined. The Progestogel for transdermal therapy in an amount of 2.5-3 g was applied to the breast. Before application and 20 min after application the density of the mammary glands was measured by a tonometer. RESULTS: According to our observations, within 20 min application of 2.5-3 g of the Progestogel on the breast skin does not result in reducing breast swelling, engorgement and tenderness. CONCLUSIONS: After 20 minutes, transdermal application of Progestogel does not reduce the degree of engorgement of the mammary glands in the postpartum period.