Rusty pipe syndrome: a case report
Rusty pipe syndrome is a rare but benign self-limiting condition characterised by spontaneous, painless, bilateral bloody nipple discharge in lactating mothers. This can cause significant anxiety for mothers and caregivers. We report on the case of a term newborn who was admitted to the neonatal unit because of respiratory distress. Expressed breast milk from the mother on day 1 was brownish blood stained. The bloody discolouration of the milk improved from the second day and cleared by day 4.
Ashok Zachariah Mathews1
Consultant Neonatologist
ashokmathews@hotmail.com
Samuel Ibhanesebhor1,2
Consultant Neonatologist
Mahitab Khalil1
Registrar, Neonatology
Chikkanayakanahalli Manjunatha1
Consultant Neonatologist
1Royale Hayat Hospital, Jabrya, Kuwait
2Igbinedion University, Nigeria

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- Rusty pipe syndrome is an uncommon and benign self-limiting condition.
- Blood-stained breast milk can be alarming for lactating women and caregivers.
- Awareness of this condition as benign among healthcare professionals will ensure appropriate support is provided, eg lactation counselling to relieve anxiety, reduce unnecessary investi-gations and avoid the inappropriate introduction of formula feeds.
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