Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The risk factors for plasma cell mastitis (PCM) remain unclear. Understanding and mitigating these factors to prevent PCM before its onset has become a significant concern. This study identifies PCM risk factors, develops a predictive nomogram, and offers insights for targeted prevention and awareness in high-risk groups. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 82 patients diagnosed with PCM at Hangzhou Women's Hospital's Breast Surgery Department from 01/01/2019 to 01/01/2022. A control group was randomly selected, consisting of 82 healthy women aged between 20-60 years who had undergone routine health check-ups during the same period. Using SPSS 26.0 software for univariate analysis, significant risk factors for PCM were identified. R software was used for multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a nomogram prediction model for the risk of developing PCM was established. RESULTS: The average age of patients in the study group was 32.37 ± 6.64 years, the control group was 29.54 ± 5.33 years, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.176). The onset time after childbirth or miscarriage was 3.37 ± 1.91 years. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in BMI, nipple retraction, number of pregnancies, recent trauma history, and hyperlipidemia (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified nipple retraction (OR=20.128, P = 0.000, 95% CI: 5.952-68.072), number of pregnancies (OR=0.343, P = 0.000, 95% CI: 0.189-0.624), and recent trauma history (within two weeks) (OR=11.154, P = 0.000, 95% CI: 2.936-42.382) as independent risk factors for PCM. CONCLUSION: Nipple retraction, recent trauma history, and the number of pregnancies were identified as independent risk factors for PCM. Targeted education for high-risk groups, particularly women within 3 years postpartum/post-abortion, improves disease prevention. The nomogram model had a C-index of 0.809, indicating strong discriminatory power and high prediction accuracy.