Breast evaluation during lactation using thermography and pressure algometry

Abstract

Objective:  To obtain scientific evidence of alterations in puerperal breast based on clinical examinations and pain measurements using pressure algometry and thermography.

Methods:  This qualitative descriptive and experimental study examined six lactating women included in a Human Milk Bank. Using clinical examinations, pressure algometry, and thermography, data from puerperal mammary glands were collected. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative variables expressed as averages, minimal and maximal values, and standard deviations was conducted. Image analyses were performed using a ThermaCAM™ 2.9 (FLIR Systems, Inc.) software.

Results:  Flaccid mammary glands were the coldest, with an average temperature of 32.7°C (SD±0.32386°C), and more tolerant to pain, with an average of 1.87 kgf/m2 (SD ±0.29558 kgf/m2). The greater the degree of engorgement, the higher the temperature observed.

Conclusion:  The results indicate that it is possible to use clinical examinations, pressure algometry, and infrared thermography to delineate patterns between various events affecting the mammary glands during lactation.