Primal Health Databank: Study
| Entry No: | 0368 |
| Title: | Breast-feeding and the risk of bronchial asthma in childhood: a systematic review with meta-analysis of prospective studies. |
| Author(s): | Breast-feeding and the risk of bronchial asthma in childhood: a systematic review with meta-analysis of prospective studies. |
| Reference: | J Pediatr 2001 Aug;139(2):261-6 |
| Place of Study: | Israel |
| Abstract: | This is a systematic review of prospective studies that evaluated the association between exclusive breast-feeding during the first 3 months after birth and asthma. The authors searched the 1966-1999 MEDLINE database and reviewed reference lists of relevant articles to identify 12 prospective studies that met pre-stated inclusion criteria. Methodological aspects of the studies, duration and exclusivity of breast-feeding, and outcomes were assessed. Effect estimates were abstracted by the investigators, using a standardized approach. RESULTS: The summary odds ratio (OR) for the protective effect of breast-feeding was 0.70 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.81). The effect estimate was greater in studies of children with a family history of atopy (OR = 0.52) than in studies of a combined population (OR = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Exclusive breast-feeding during the first months after birth is associated with lower asthma rates during childhood. The effect, caused by immunomodulatory qualities of breast milk, avoidance of allergens, or a combination of these and other factors, strengthens the advantage of breast-feeding, especially if a family history of atopy is present.
|
| Keyword(s): | allergic disease, asthma, breastfeeding |
| Discussion: | No discussion mentioned for this entry |
| See Also: | No related entries mentioned for this entry |
Go Back | New Keyword Search