Rusty Pipe Syndrome: a Rare Syndrome During Breast Feeding-Our Experience.

BACKGROUND

The presence of blood in breast milk gives it a rusty or brownish color, which is referred to as "Rusty Pipe Syndrome (RPS)".

OBJECTIVE

This study presents case reports to raise awareness about RPS and examine differences from existing literature.

METHODS

Data from six cases with confirmed RPS were collected from Rea Maternity Hospital in Athens, Greece and Alexandroupolis General University Hospital in Alexandroupolis, Greece, from March 2020 until July 2024.

RESULTS

Six women aged 25 to 36, experienced RPS during breastfeeding. The majority of them had no previous birth history (83%), were primigravida (83%) and had bilateral presence of blood in the milk (67%), with symptoms appeared on the second postpartum day (50%).

CONCLUSION

Based on extensive studies and literature reviews, RPS is generally considered a benign condition, typically presenting bilaterally. However, unilateral cases, such as those observed in our study, are rare.