Treatments for breast engorgement during lactation

Abstract

Cabbage leaves and gel packs were equally effective in the treatment of engorgement. Since both cabbage extract and placebo cream were equally effective, the alleviation in symptoms may be brought about by other factors, such as breast massage. Ultrasound treatment is equally effective with or without the ultra-wave emitting crystal, therefore its effectiveness is more likely to be due to the effect of radiant heat or massage. Pharmacologically, oxytocin was not an effective engorgement treatment while Danzen and bromelain/trypsin complex significantly improved the symptoms of engorgement. Initial prevention of breast engorgement should remain the key priority.

A comparison of cabbage leaves vs . hot and cold compresses in the treatment of breast engorgement

“…This study was supported by the findings of Snowden HM et al (3) who reviewed research studies to determine the effects of several interventions to relieve symptoms of breast engorgement among breastfeeding women and found that cabbage leaves were effective in the treatment of this painful condition. Cabbage leaves were preferred by the mothers.…”

Recombinant Enzymes - From Basic Science to Commercialization

“…Catalytic proficiency (kcat/KM/kuncat) and rate acceleration (kcat/kuncat) can provide a measure of the magnitude of catalytic effects exerted on native versus promiscuous substrates. In many cases, although the kcat/KM values for the promiscuous substrates are very low, and hence might have little physiological relevance, the rate accelerations and catalytic proficiencies are impressively high [47,[49][50][51].…”

“…In fact, numerous clinical trials with bromelain have demonstrated its efficacy in treating various inflammation-based conditions, including sepsis in children [47], rhinosinusitis [48], breast engorgement during lactation [49], urogenital inflammation [50] and osteoarthritis of the knee and hip [51,52]. In a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease, bromelain decreased the clinical and histological rigorousness of spontaneous colitis and colonic inflammation [53].…”

Engorgement

“…Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies have been touted as beneficial for the treatment of engorgement. Snowden et al 25 concluded that there is no benefit for the following treatments as compared with placebo: cabbage leaves, cabbage leaf extract, oxytocin, cold packs, and ultrasound. This analysis identified eight trials including 424 women.…”