Predictors of outcomes in managing breast abscesses—A large retrospective single‐center analysis

We have retrospectively examined a wide range of clinical characteristics, sonographic features, microbiology, and antibiotic regimens in patients with breast abscesses to seek predictive features related to outcome. Because consensus for optimal treatment of breast abscesses has moved toward minimally invasive management using single or repeated needle aspiration (ASP) coupled with adjuvant antibiotics, we assessed whether any factors correlate with the need for repeat procedures by analyzing the number of ASPs and/or surgical incision and drainage (I&D) per abscess. We examined 127 abscesses in 114 patients from a single urban public hospital, and among clinical characteristics, we found that only smoking history (P = .021) and the presence of nipple rings (P = .005) were associated with greater likelihood of necessitating repeat for abscess resolution procedures. Neither diabetes, lactational status, and HIV nor ultrasound features imaging of an abscess including size >3 cm, multiloculation, rind thickness, or central vs peripheral location were correlated with the need for a repeat procedure. Likewise, no specific micro‐organisms predicted a greater likelihood of requiring repeat procedures, and no specific initial antibiotic regimen (gram‐positive and/or gram‐negative or multiresistance coverage) impacted clinical outcomes. Our data indicate that no specific imaging abscess characteristics, type of micro‐organism, or initial choice of antibiotics affect outcomes, and therefore, these features should not preclude attempts at conventional therapy by repeated aspiration and antibiotic treatment. While a smoking history and presence of a nipple ring may increase the risk of a prolonged course, the decision to change antibiotics or repeat aspiration should rely instead on clinical evaluation and judgment by experienced physicians.