Abstract
Problem
Lactational mastitis is a common condition amongst breastfeeding women. It is associated
with decreased breastfeeding rates and often treated with antibiotics.
Background
The anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics have been identified as a potential treatment
or prevention strategy for lactational mastitis leading to increased commercial and
public interest. Despite the marketing of probiotics to women, evidence is still emerging
as to its efficacy.
Aim/Methods
This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) to identify and examine
the evidence around probiotic consumption and lactational mastitis. The review addressed
the question; what is the evidence regarding probiotic consumption and human lactational
mastitis? Studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist
for randomised control trials (RCTs).
Findings
Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria; three concerned probiotic consumption for the
treatment of mastitis, two for the prevention of mastitis. All reported a lower incidence
of mastitis in the probiotic groups.
Discussion
Although potentially promising results were reported across all studies there were
significant methodological limitations concerning; appropriately described baseline
characteristics, study hypotheses, lack of power calculations, definitional issues,
and potential conflicts of interest.
Conclusion
Probiotics may have utility for the treatment or prevention of lactational mastitis.
However only a few studies with significant limitations have been published to date.
Well designed and conducted studies are needed before evidence-based recommendations
can be made for use of probiotics in the treatment or prevention of lactational mastitis.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 04, 2020
Accepted:
January 6,
2020
Received in revised form:
January 6,
2020
Received:
August 10,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
