Rusty pipe syndrome. Safety of breastfeeding

Abstract

The rusty pipe syndrome is an uncommon condition. It is characterised by suddenly painless, bilateral bloody nipple discharge with no visible evidence of mechanical injuries within the breasts. It resolves spontaneously with no additional medical intervention. If the problem persists for more than 5-7 days, further investigations should be made to exclude other pathologies. In the available literature, there is no clear explanation of the condition. Many authors agree that the condition may be caused by the structure of blood vessels and may depend on changes therein that occur during stage I and II lactogenesis. In most cases, it is recognised during breast milk expression, when the colour of milk is different than normally.

Grossly Bloody Colostrum—The Need for Staff Education and Maternal Support

“…A bloody colostrum composition analysis performed by Wszołek et al [35] proved that the qualitative value of such milk was not changed. Taking into consideration colostrum values, even a short break in breastfeeding for no clear reason may be harmful for a newborn baby and is hazardous for the undisturbed lactation process [17,[35][36][37][38]. This case was different than the one we reported previously [35].…”

Blood-Stained Colostrum: A Rare Phenomenon at an Early Lactation Stage

“…Since breast milk has an indisputable invaluable impact on the newborn’s further development and there is no connection between rusty pipe syndrome, as described by the literature, and any pathologic processes, it is crucial to encourage mothers to maintain breastfeeding even if they observe blood-stained colostrum [ 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Special support should be provided from the moment of birth by medical, nursing, and obstetric staff and by lactation consultants.…”

“…The phenomenon described in the literature as rusty pipe syndrome is a rare condition where the prenatal milk and the colostrum are rust- or blood-colored and the presence of erythrocytes in the discharge of one or both breasts is not connected with any mechanical damage of the nipple or with the presence of intraductal papilloma [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In this condition, the mother does not feel any pain and the symptoms partially disappear spontaneously 5–10 days after childbirth [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…In this condition, the mother does not feel any pain and the symptoms partially disappear spontaneously 5–10 days after childbirth [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Breastfeeding is fully safe and recommended if the newborn tolerates the milk and shows no signs of irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and the pediatrician has no reasons to suspect any causes of brownish regurgitation liquid other than the consumption of erythrocyte-containing colostrum [ 6 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”