# Risk factors for non-puerperal mastitis: a meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study identifies multiple risk factors for non-puerperal mastitis, a chronic breast condition, to help with early detection and prevention.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive meta-analysis of 16 studies to identify specific risk factors for non-puerperal mastitis.

## Key findings

- Crater nipple, lactation mastitis, and breast trauma are significant risk factors for NPM.
- Short breastfeeding duration (<6 months), hyperprolactinemia, and obesity are linked to NPM.
- Emotional problems and psychotropic drug use are also associated with increased NPM risk.

## Abstract

Non-puerperal mastitis (NPM) is a complex inflammatory breast disease with no specific etiology. It is characterized by recurrent episodes and a chronic course. Identifying its risk factors can aid in implementing preventive measures to reduce the incidence of NPM. This meta-analysis aims to determine the risk factors for NPM.

Relevant studies concerning NPM were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4 and Stata SE 15.0.

A total of 16 studies with 5402 participants were included, involving 19 risk factors. The following risk factors for NPM were identified: crater nipple, lactation mastitis, breast trauma, breastfeeding time < 6 months, hyperprolactinemia, cardiopathy, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, contraception, smoking, emotional problems, and psychotropic drug use. There was no clear association of NPM with galactostasis, allergic history, alcohol consumption, miscarriage, and divorce or being single.

This study has identified crater nipple, lactation mastitis, breast trauma, breastfeeding duration < 6 months, hyperprolactinemia, cardiopathy, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, contraception, smoking, emotional problems, and psychotropic drug use as risk factors for NPM. For individuals with multiple risk factors, regular breast follow-up is recommended. When breast symptoms occur, early diagnosis and treatment should be implemented based on the associated risk factors to avoid delay in managing the condition.