DRG Category: 601

Mean LOS: 3.6 days

Description MEDICAL: Nonmalignant Breast Disorders without CC or Major CC

classification section:



Mastitis, parenchymatous infection of the mammary glands, is seen primarily in lactating women. Approximately 10% of lactating women in the United States develop mastitis, which is more common in primiparas and with infants with short frenulums. Typically, the lactation process is well established before mastitis develops; the highest incidence is seen in the second and third weeks postpartum. It occurs rarely during the antepartum period, particularly with autoimmune diseases of the breast, such as granulomatous lobular mastitis or lupus mastitis. The infection is usually unilateral and is preceded by marked engorgement. If it is left untreated, mastitis may develop into a breast abscess.