Probiotics and human lactational mastitis: a scoping review

Melissa Barker*, Micah Peters, Pamela Adelson, Mary Steen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number33
Pages (from-to)e483-e491
Number of pages9
JournalWomen and Birth
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Women
  • Mastitis
  • probiotics
  • infection
  • breast feeding
  • preventation

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