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Association of Exclusive Breastfeeding with Asthma Risk among Preschool Children: An Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data, 1999 to 2014. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204250. [PMID: 36296941 PMCID: PMC9607098 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Breastmilk contains many important nutrients, anti-inflammatory agents, and immunomodulators. It is the preferred nutrition source for infants. However, the association of the duration of exclusive breastmilk feeding (BMF) with asthma development is unclear. Data on children from the United States who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2014 were obtained. We examined the association between the duration of exclusive BMF and asthma in 6000 children (3 to 6 years old). After calculating the duration of exclusive breastfeeding according to answers to NHANES questionnaires, the estimated duration of exclusive BMF was divided into five categories: never breastfed or BMF for 0 to 2 months after birth; BMF for 2 to 4 months after birth; BMF for 4 to 6 months after birth; and BMF for ≥6 months after birth. The overall prevalence of asthma in children aged 3 to 6 years was approximately 13.9%. The risk of asthma was lower in children with an exclusive BMF duration of 4 to 6 months (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48–0.98), after adjustment for potentially confounding factors. Subgroup analysis revealed that children of younger ages (3 to 4 years old) benefited most from the protective effects of exclusive BMF for 4 to 6 months (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27, 0.8). We found that exclusive BMF, especially BMF for 4 to 6 months, is associated with a decreased risk of asthma in preschool-age children. The protective effect appeared to be diminished in older children. The potential mechanism needs further investigation.
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Rosas-Salazar C, Shilts MH, Tang ZZ, Hong Q, Turi KN, Snyder BM, Wiggins DA, Lynch CE, Gebretsadik T, Peebles RS, Anderson LJ, Das SR, Hartert TV. Exclusive breast-feeding, the early-life microbiome and immune response, and common childhood respiratory illnesses. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 150:612-621. [PMID: 35283139 PMCID: PMC9463089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of breast-feeding on certain childhood respiratory illnesses remains controversial. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine the effect of exclusive breast-feeding on the early-life upper respiratory tract (URT) and gut microbiome, the URT immune response in infancy, and the risk of common pediatric respiratory diseases. METHODS We analyzed data from a birth cohort of healthy infants with prospective ascertainment of breast-feeding patterns and common pediatric pulmonary and atopic outcomes. In a subset of infants, we also characterized the URT and gut microbiome using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and measured 9 URT cytokines using magnetic bead-based assays. RESULTS Of the 1949 infants enrolled, 1495 (76.71%) had 4-year data. In adjusted analyses, exclusive breast-feeding (1) had an inverse dose-response on the ⍺-diversity of the early-life URT and gut microbiome, (2) was positively associated with the URT levels of IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17A in infancy, and (3) had a protective dose-response on the development of a lower respiratory tract infection in infancy, 4-year current asthma, and 4-year ever allergic rhinitis (odds ratio [95% CI] for each 4 weeks of exclusive breast-feeding, 0.95 [0.91-0.99], 0.95 [0.90-0.99], and 0.95 [0.92-0.99], respectively). In exploratory analyses, we also found that the protective association of exclusive breast-feeding on 4-year current asthma was mediated through its impact on the gut microbiome (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS Our results support a protective causal role of exclusive breast-feeding in the risk of developing a lower respiratory tract infection in infancy and asthma and allergic rhinitis in childhood. They also shed light on potential mechanisms of these associations, including the effect of exclusive breast-feeding on the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meghan H Shilts
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
| | - Zheng-Zheng Tang
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
| | - Qilin Hong
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
| | - Kedir N Turi
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
| | - Brittney M Snyder
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
| | - Derek A Wiggins
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
| | - Christian E Lynch
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
| | - Tebeb Gebretsadik
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
| | - R Stokes Peebles
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
| | - Larry J Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Suman R Das
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
| | - Tina V Hartert
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
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Na JY, Cho Y, Lee J, Yang S, Kim YJ. Immune-modulatory effect of human milk in reducing the risk of Kawasaki disease: A nationwide study in Korea. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1001272. [PMID: 36160777 PMCID: PMC9492926 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1001272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common acquired heart disease among children in developed countries, but the etiology is still unclear. There are several hypotheses regarding the outbreak of KD, including infection, genetics, and immunity. Since breastfeeding plays an essential role in the immune system's composition, investigating breastfeeding's effects on the occurrence of KD would be an excellent way to identify the etiology of KD. AIM To determine whether the incidence of KD decreases with breastfeeding. METHODS This nationwide cohort study analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) in South Korea and included 1,910,438 infants who underwent their first National Children's Health Examination (NCHE) between 2008 and 2014. Feeding types were collected using a questionnaire in NCHE. The NHIS data and NCHE data were merged and analyzed. First, we investigated the effect of breastfeeding on the development of KD at 1 year of age. Then, we surveyed the age at which no significant effect appeared by expanding the observation range yearly. RESULTS The most prevalent feeding type in the study population was exclusive breastfeeding (41.5%). At 10-12 months of follow-up age, 3,854 (0.2%) infants were diagnosed with KD. Compared to the exclusive formula feeding group, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for KD was 0.84 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.78-0.90] and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79-0.94) in the exclusive and partial breastfeeding groups, respectively. At 22-24 months of age, aOR for KD was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.98) in the exclusive breastfeeding group and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.92-1.03) in the partial breastfeeding group. There was no difference in the risk between the groups at 34-36 months. CONCLUSIONS Using a large amount of national data on children aged <2 years, we proved that breastfeeding has a protective effect on the development of KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yoon Na
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yongil Cho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Juncheol Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong Joo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Xue M, Dehaas E, Chaudhary N, O'Byrne P, Satia I, Kurmi OP. Breastfeeding and risk of childhood asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00504-2021. [PMID: 34912884 PMCID: PMC8666625 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00504-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and the development of paediatric asthma. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health source databases. Retrospective/prospective cohorts in children aged <18 years with breastfeeding exposure reported were included. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of asthma by a physician or using a guideline-based criterion. A secondary outcome was asthma severity. RESULTS 42 studies met inclusion criteria. 37 studies reported the primary outcome of physician-/guideline-diagnosed asthma, and five studies reported effects on asthma severity. Children with longer duration/more breastfeeding compared to shorter duration/less breastfeeding have a lower risk of asthma (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.93; I2 = 62.4%). Similarly, a lower risk of asthma was found in children who had more exclusive breastfeeding versus less exclusive breastfeeding (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.91; I2=44%). Further stratified analysis of different age groups demonstrated a lower risk of asthma in the 0-2-years age group (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63-0.83) and the 3-6-years age group (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.87); there was no statistically significant effect on the ≥7-years age group. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding are associated with a lower risk of asthma in children aged <7 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Xue
- Dept of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Emily Dehaas
- Dept of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nagendra Chaudhary
- Dept of Pediatrics, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal
| | - Paul O'Byrne
- Dept of Medicine, Division of Respirology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Imran Satia
- Dept of Medicine, Division of Respirology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Om P. Kurmi
- Dept of Medicine, Division of Respirology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada
- Faculty Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
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Wang S, Xiang D, Fang C, Yao B. Association between breastfeeding and Kawasaki disease: a case-control study. Eur J Pediatr 2020; 179:447-453. [PMID: 31797082 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-019-03529-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The association between breastfeeding and Kawasaki disease is not fully understood. We performed a case-control study to examine the association between breastfeeding and Kawasaki disease. In this study, 389 children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease and 426 gender- and age-matched controls were identified at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between November 2013 and March 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected from a structured telephone interview and medical record database. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for risk of Kawasaki disease were estimated. Children who were breastfed exclusively had a decrease in developing Kawasaki disease (adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals 0.53 (0.38-0.74). Although the risk reduction was not statistically different, partial breastfeeding also provided a protective effect (adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals 0.70 (0.48-1.01). In the stratified analysis, we still observed that exclusive breastfeeding was inversely associated with the development of complete Kawasaki disease (adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals 0.52 (0.31-0.88) and incomplete Kawasaki disease (adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals 0.54 (0.38-0.77). However, there was no significant association between exclusive breastfeeding and the intravenous immunoglobulin treatment response (adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals 0.69 (0.27-1.69) and the risk of coronary artery lesions (adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals 0.79 (0.49-1.31) in Kawasaki disease.Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that exclusive breastfeeding was inversely associated with the development of Kawasaki disease and that breastfeeding might be a potential protective factor against Kawasaki diseaseWhat is known• Previous studies have demonstrated that breastfeeding has been shown to potentially confer protection against several autoimmune disorders of childhood.• The association between breastfeeding and Kawasaki disease is not fully understood.What is newThe first study to evaluate the association between breastfeeding and the development of Kawasaki disease in China with a large sample size.• Exclusive breastfeeding was inversely associated with the development of Kawasaki disease and breastfeeding might be a potential protective factor against Kawasaki disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dan Xiang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Congcong Fang
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Baozhen Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Güngör D, Nadaud P, LaPergola CC, Dreibelbis C, Wong YP, Terry N, Abrams SA, Beker L, Jacobovits T, Järvinen KM, Nommsen-Rivers LA, O'Brien KO, Oken E, Pérez-Escamilla R, Ziegler EE, Spahn JM. Infant milk-feeding practices and food allergies, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma throughout the life span: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr 2019; 109:772S-799S. [PMID: 30982870 PMCID: PMC6500928 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project, the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services initiated a review of evidence on diet and health in these populations. OBJECTIVES The aim of these systematic reviews was to examine the relation of 1) never versus ever feeding human milk, 2) shorter versus longer durations of any human milk feeding, 3) shorter versus longer durations of exclusive human milk feeding prior to infant formula introduction, 4) feeding a lower versus higher intensity of human milk to mixed-fed infants, and 5) feeding a higher intensity of human milk by bottle versus breast with food allergies, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. METHODS The Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review team conducted systematic reviews with external experts. We searched CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed for articles published between January 1980 and March 2016, dual-screened the results according to predetermined criteria, extracted data from and assessed the risk of bias for each included study, qualitatively synthesized the evidence, developed conclusion statements, and graded the strength of the evidence. RESULTS The systematic reviews numbered 1-5 above included 44, 35, 1, 0, and 0 articles, respectively. Moderate, mostly observational, evidence suggests that 1) never versus ever being fed human milk is associated with higher risk of childhood asthma, and 2) among children and adolescents who were fed human milk as infants, shorter versus longer durations of any human milk feeding are associated with higher risk of asthma. Limited evidence does not suggest associations between 1) never versus ever being fed human milk and atopic dermatitis in childhood or 2) the duration of any human milk feeding and allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in childhood. CONCLUSIONS Moderate evidence suggests that feeding human milk for short durations or not at all is associated with higher childhood asthma risk. Evidence on food allergies, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcy Güngör
- Panum Group, Bethesda, MD,Address correspondence to DG (e-mail: )
| | | | | | | | | | - Nancy Terry
- National Institutes of Health Library, Bethesda, MD
| | - Steve A Abrams
- Dell Medical School at the University of Texas, Austin, TX
| | - Leila Beker
- US Food and Drug Administration, contractor, College Park, MD
| | | | | | | | | | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Ekhard E Ziegler
- Panum Group, Bethesda, MD,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
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Gerhart KD, Stern DA, Guerra S, Morgan WJ, Martinez FD, Wright AL. Protective effect of breastfeeding on recurrent cough in adulthood. Thorax 2018; 73:833-839. [PMID: 29786547 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2017-210841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Breastfeeding protects from respiratory infections in early life but its relationship to recurrent cough and other respiratory outcomes in adult life is not well established. METHODS Infant feeding practices were assessed prospectively in the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study, a non-selected birth cohort and categorised into formula from birth or introduced <1 month, formula introduced ≥1 to <4 months and exclusive breastfeeding for ≥4 months. Infant feeding was assessed as an ordinal variable representing an increasing dose of breastmilk across the three categories. Recurrent cough was defined at 22, 26 and 32 years as ≥2 episodes of cough without a cold lasting 1 week during the past year. Covariates included participant sex, race/ethnicity and smoking as well as parental smoking, education, age and asthma. Covariates were evaluated as potential confounders for the relation between infant feeding and adult outcomes. RESULTS Of the 786 participants, 19% breastfed <1 month, 50% breastfed ≥1 to <4 months and 31% breastfed ≥4 months. The prevalence of recurrent cough at 22, 26 and 32 years was 17%, 15% and 16%, respectively. Each ordinal increase in breastfeeding duration was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent cough in adult life: adjusted OR=0.71, (95% CI: 0.56 to 0.89), p=0.004. Additional adjustment for concurrent adult asthma, wheeze, smoking and lung volume did not change these results. CONCLUSION Longer duration of breastfeeding reduces the risk of recurrent cough in adult life, regardless of smoking and other respiratory symptoms, suggesting long-term protective effects on respiratory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly D Gerhart
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center UAHS, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Stefano Guerra
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center UAHS, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Wayne J Morgan
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center UAHS, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Pediatric Pulmonary Allergy Division, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Fernando D Martinez
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center UAHS, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Anne L Wright
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center UAHS, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Lodge CJ, Tan DJ, Lau MXZ, Dai X, Tham R, Lowe AJ, Bowatte G, Allen KJ, Dharmage SC. Breastfeeding and asthma and allergies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatr 2015; 104:38-53. [PMID: 26192405 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM To systematically review the association between breastfeeding and childhood allergic disease. METHODS Predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria identified 89 articles from PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases. Meta-analyses performed for categories of breastfeeding and allergic outcomes. Meta-regression explored heterogeneity. RESULTS More vs. less breastfeeding (duration) was associated with reduced risk of asthma for children (5-18 years), particularly in medium-/low-income countries and with reduced risk of allergic rhinitis ≤5 years, but this estimate had high heterogeneity and low quality. Exclusive breastfeeding for 3-4 months was associated with reduced risk of eczema ≤2 years (estimate principally from cross-sectional studies of low methodological quality). No association found between breastfeeding and food allergy (estimate had high heterogeneity and low quality). Meta-regression found differences between study outcomes may be attributable to length of breastfeeding recall, study design, country income and date of study inception. Some of the protective effect of breastfeeding for asthma may be related to recall bias in studies of lesser methodological quality. CONCLUSION There is some evidence that breastfeeding is protective for asthma (5-18 years). There is weaker evidence for a protective effect for eczema ≤2 years and allergic rhinitis ≤5 years of age, with greater protection for asthma and eczema in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- CJ Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Carlton Victoria Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics; Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - DJ Tan
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Carlton Victoria Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for Chronic Respiratory Disease; School of Medicine; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - MXZ Lau
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Carlton Victoria Australia
| | - X Dai
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Carlton Victoria Australia
| | - R Tham
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Carlton Victoria Australia
| | - AJ Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Carlton Victoria Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics; Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - G Bowatte
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Carlton Victoria Australia
| | - KJ Allen
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics; Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville Victoria Australia
- Institute of Inflammation and Repair; University of Manchester; UK
| | - SC Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Carlton Victoria Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics; Royal Children's Hospital; Parkville Victoria Australia
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Rantala AK, Jaakkola MS, Mäkikyrö EMS, Hugg TT, Jaakkola JJK. Early Respiratory Infections and the Development of Asthma in the First 27 Years of Life. Am J Epidemiol 2015; 182:615-23. [PMID: 26362307 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwv093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have provided contradictory evidence on the role of early childhood respiratory infections in the development of asthma and other allergic diseases during childhood. We investigated early-life respiratory infections as predictors of the development of asthma in a 20-year prospective cohort study (the Espoo Cohort Study, 1991-2011). Information on upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) was collected with a parent-administered baseline questionnaire covering the preceding 12 months (part 1; n = 2,228), and information on LRTIs leading to hospitalization was obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Registry (part 2; n = 2,568). The incidence of asthma was assessed on the basis of 6-year and 20-year follow-up questionnaires. Adjusted hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Both URTIs (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22, 2.19) and LRTIs (adjusted HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.48, 3.00) in early childhood were strong predictors of asthma incidence up to young adulthood (ages 20-27 years). A declining age trend was present for both URTIs (P-trend < 0.01) and LRTIs (P-trend < 0.001). In part 2 of our analysis, a significant risk of asthma was found in relation to LRTIs requiring hospitalization (adjusted HR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.38). The results provide new evidence that respiratory tract infections in early life predict the development of asthma through childhood to young adulthood.
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Paaso EMS, Jaakkola MS, Rantala AK, Hugg TT, Jaakkola JJK. Allergic diseases and asthma in the family predict the persistence and onset-age of asthma: a prospective cohort study. Respir Res 2014; 15:152. [PMID: 25427760 PMCID: PMC4255429 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-014-0152-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Family history of asthma and other allergic diseases have been linked to the risk of childhood asthma previously, but little is known about their effect on the age-of-onset and persistency of asthma until young adulthood. Methods We assessed the effect of the family history of asthma and allergic diseases on persistent vs. transient, and early- vs. late-onset persistent asthma in The Espoo Cohort Study 1991–2011, a population-based cohort study of 1623 subjects (follow-up rate 63.2%). The determinants were any family history (any parent or sibling); maternal; paternal; siblings only; parents only; and both siblings and parents. Analyses were conducted separately for asthma and allergic diseases while taking the other disease into account as a confounding factor. The outcomes were persistent, transient, early-onset persistent (<13 years) and late-onset persistent asthma. Adjusted risk ratios (RR) were calculated applying Poisson regression. Q-statistics were used to assess heterogeneity between RRs. Results Family history was associated with the different subtypes but the magnitude of effect varied quantitatively. Any family history of asthma was a stronger determinant of persistent (adjusted RR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.99-4.00) than transient asthma (1.65, 1.03-2.65) (heterogeneity: P = 0.07) and on early-onset than late-onset persistent asthma. Also any family history of allergic diseases was a stronger determinant of persistent and early-onset asthma. The impact of paternal asthma continued to young adulthood (early-onset: 3.33, 1.57-7.06 vs. late-onset 2.04, 0.75-5.52) while the influence of maternal asthma decreased with age (Early-onset 3.94, 2.11-7.36 vs. Late-onset 0.88, 0.28-2.81). Paternal allergic diseases did not follow the pattern of paternal asthma, since they showed no association with late-onset asthma. Also the effect estimates for other subtypes were lower than in other hereditary groups (persistent 1.29, 0.75-2.22 vs. transient 1.20, 0.67-2.15 and early-onset 1.86, 0.95-3.64 vs. late-onset 0.64, 0.22-1.80). Conclusions Family history of asthma and allergic diseases are strong determinants of asthma, but the magnitude of effect varies according to the hereditary group so that some subtypes have a stronger hereditary component, and others may be more strongly related to environmental exposures. Our results provide useful information for assessing the prognosis of asthma based on a thorough family history.
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11
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Dogaru CM, Nyffenegger D, Pescatore AM, Spycher BD, Kuehni CE. Breastfeeding and childhood asthma: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Epidemiol 2014; 179:1153-67. [PMID: 24727807 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwu072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma and wheezing disorders are common chronic health problems in childhood. Breastfeeding provides health benefits, but it is not known whether or how breastfeeding decreases the risk of developing asthma. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 1983 and 2012 on breastfeeding and asthma in children from the general population. We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies. We grouped the outcomes into asthma ever, recent asthma, or recent wheezing illness (recent asthma or recent wheeze). Using random-effects meta-analyses, we estimated pooled odds ratios of the association of breastfeeding with the risk for each of these outcomes. We performed meta-regression and stratified meta-analyses. We included 117 of 1,464 titles identified by our search. The pooled odds ratios were 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.74, 0.84) for 75 studies analyzing "asthma ever," 0.76 (95% confidence interval: 0.67, 0.86) for 46 studies analyzing "recent asthma," and 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.76, 0.87) for 94 studies analyzing recent wheezing illness. After stratification by age, the strong protective association found at ages 0-2 years diminished over time. We found no evidence for differences by study design or study quality or between studies in Western and non-Western countries. A positive association of breastfeeding with reduced asthma/wheezing is supported by the combined evidence of existing studies.
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Simons E, To T, Moineddin R, Stieb D, Dell SD. Maternal Second-Hand Smoke Exposure in Pregnancy Is Associated With Childhood Asthma Development. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2014; 2:201-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2013.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Guibas GV, Xepapadaki P, Moschonis G, Douladiris N, Filippou A, Tsirigoti L, Manios Y, Papadopoulos NG. Breastfeeding and wheeze prevalence in pre-schoolers and pre-adolescents: the Genesis and Healthy Growth studies. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2013; 24:772-81. [PMID: 24298900 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, extensive research has been undertaken on a potential link of breastfeeding (BF) to wheezing illnesses. Nevertheless, an association remains to be established, partly due to age-dependent discrepancies and different definitions of exposures/outcomes across studies. We thus investigated the relation of diverse infantile feeding patterns with wheeze/asthma prevalence in two cohorts of children of different ages (preschool and preadolescent). METHODS Wheeze ever/in the last 12 months (current) and doctor-diagnosed asthma were retrospectively reported by parents of the participants of two cross-sectional studies: the Genesis study (1871 children aged 1-5) and the Healthy Growth study (1884 children aged 9-13). Information on feeding practices (exclusive breastfeeding vs. mixed vs. formula feeding) and their duration (2 vs. 4 vs. 6 months) was recorded. Perinatal and anthorpometric data were also collected. RESULTS In pre-schoolers, regimes that did not entail exclusive BF were positively correlated to current/ever wheeze, both before and after adjustment for confounders. No differences between the associations of regimes with 2, 4 or 6 months of exclusive BF with current/ever wheeze were shown. Furthermore, there was no consistent correlation of feeding practices with physician-diagnosed asthma. In pre-adolescents, no association of infantile feeding patterns with the wheeze/asthma outcomes was observed. CONCLUSIONS Exclusive BF is associated with reduced prevalence of current/ever wheeze in pre-schoolers; however, this appears to wane in older children. The association of a period of exclusive BF as low as 2 months with pre-school wheeze prevalence, appeared to be comparable with that of 6 months of exclusivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- George V Guibas
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Association of breastfeeding with asthma in young Aboriginal children in Canada. Can Respir J 2013; 19:361-6. [PMID: 23248799 DOI: 10.1155/2012/402765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated the factors associated with asthma in young Aboriginal children. OBJECTIVE To characterize the association of demographic, environmental and early life factors with asthma in young Aboriginal children in Canada. METHODS The 2006 Aboriginal Children's Survey was conducted among off-reserve Aboriginal children zero to six years of age to obtain information on Aboriginal children's development and well-being. The prevalence of asthma in Aboriginal children was obtained from the parental report of asthma as diagnosed by a health care professional. RESULTS The prevalence of reported asthma among off-reserve Aboriginal children zero to six years of age (n=14,170) was 9.4%. Asthma prevalence in both exclusively breastfed children (6.8%) and ever but not exclusively breastfed children (9.0%) was significantly lower than that in nonbreastfed children (11.0%). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, exclusive breastfeeding was protective of asthma compared with nonbreastfeeding (OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.44 to 0.78]). Older age groups, male sex, having two or more older siblings, low birth weight, day care attendance and ear infection were significant risk factors for asthma. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of asthma among young Aboriginal children zero to six years of age living off reserve was slightly lower than that reported for all other Canadian children. Breastfeeding, especially exclusively breastfeeding, was protective of asthma in Aboriginal children, which is consistent with what has been observed in non-Aboriginal children in Canada. Public health interventions intended for reducing asthma incidence in young Aboriginal children should include breastfeeding promotion programs.
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Hörnell A, Lagström H, Lande B, Thorsdottir I. Breastfeeding, introduction of other foods and effects on health: a systematic literature review for the 5th Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. Food Nutr Res 2013; 57:20823. [PMID: 23589711 PMCID: PMC3625706 DOI: 10.3402/fnr.v57i0.20823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The present systematic literature review is part of the 5th revision of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. The overall aim was to review recent scientific data valid in a Nordic setting on the short- and long-term health effects of breastfeeding (duration of both any and exclusive breastfeeding) and introduction of foods other than breast milk. The initial literature search resulted in 2,011 abstracts; 416 identified as potentially relevant. Full paper review resulted in 60 quality assessed papers (6A, 48B, and 6C). A complementary search found some additional papers. The grade of evidence was classified as convincing, probable, limited-suggestive, and limited-no conclusion. The evidence was convincing of a protective dose/duration effect of breastfeeding against overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence, overall infections, acute otitis media, and gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections. The evidence was probable that exclusive breastfeeding for longer than 4 months is associated with slower weight gain during the second half of the first year which could be part of the reason behind the reduced risk of later overweight or obesity. There was also probable evidence that breastfeeding is a protective factor against inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and diabetes (type 1 and 2), provides beneficial effects on IQ and developmental scores of children as well as a small reductive effect on blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels in adulthood. Other associations explored were limited-suggestive or inconclusive. In conclusion, convincing and probable evidence was found for benefits of breastfeeding on several outcomes. The recommendation in NNR2004 about exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued partial breastfeeding thereafter can stand unchanged. The relatively low proportion of infants in the Nordic countries following this recommendation indicates that strategies that protect, support and promote breastfeeding should be enhanced, and should also recognize the benefits for long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Hörnell
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Umeå, University, Umeå Sweden
| | - Hanna Lagström
- Turku Institute for Child and Youth Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Britt Lande
- Division of Public Health, Norwegian Directorate of Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inga Thorsdottir
- Unit for Nutrition Research, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland and Landspitali National University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Fish intake during pregnancy and the risk of child asthma and allergic rhinitis - longitudinal evidence from the Danish National Birth Cohort. Br J Nutr 2013; 110:1313-25. [PMID: 23473120 DOI: 10.1017/s000711451300038x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Maternal fish intake during pregnancy may influence the risk of child asthma and allergic rhinitis, yet evidence is conflicting on its association with these outcomes. We examined the associations of maternal fish intake during pregnancy with child asthma and allergic rhinitis. Mothers in the Danish National Birth Cohort (n 28 936) reported their fish intake at 12 and 30 weeks of gestation. Using multivariate logistic regression, we examined the associations of fish intake with child wheeze, asthma and rhinitis assessed at several time points: ever wheeze, recurrent wheeze (>3 episodes), ever asthma and allergic rhinitis, and current asthma, assessed at 18 months (n approximately 22,000) and 7 years (n approximately 17,000) using self-report and registry data on hospitalisations and prescribed medications. Compared with consistently high fish intake during pregnancy (fish as a sandwich or hot meal > or equal to 2-3 times/week), never eating fish was associated with a higher risk of child asthma diagnosis at 18 months (OR 1·30, 95% CI 1·05, 1·63, P=0·02), and ever asthma by hospitalisation (OR 1·46, 95% CI 0·99, 2·13, P=0·05) and medication prescription (OR 1·37, 95% CI 1·10, 1·71, P=0·01). A dose-response was present for asthma at 18 months only (P for trend=0·001). We found no associations with wheeze or recurrent wheeze at 18 months or with allergic rhinitis. The results suggest that high (v. no) maternal fish intake during pregnancy is protective against both early and ever asthma in 7-year-old children.
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Matheson MC, Allen KJ, Tang MLK. Understanding the evidence for and against the role of breastfeeding in allergy prevention. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 42:827-51. [PMID: 22276526 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03925.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between breastfeeding and allergic disease risk has been controversial. This article reviews the current evidence for the role of breastfeeding in the prevention of allergic disease. We found considerable methodological limitations inherent in most studies evaluating the effect of breastfeeding in allergic disease. Nevertheless, since randomized control trials in breast feeding research would be considered unethical, the evidence remains limited to poorer quality observational studies where participation and recall bias can severely affect the objectivity of the data collected. Furthermore, reporting of type of breastfeeding (exclusive, full or partial) may be biased by a participant's inherent belief system of what they think they should be doing. Current evidence is inconclusive regarding the effect of breastfeeding on the development of eczema, with the most recent systemic review reporting no protective effect. There is insufficient data regarding the effects of breastfeeding on objective measures of food allergy at any age. Studies show a paradoxical effect of breastfeeding on the prevention of asthma, with an apparent protective effect against early wheezing illness in the first years of life yet an increased risk of asthma in later life; however, these findings must be interpreted with caution. Existing studies fail to adequately adjust for confounders, including the critical issues of protection against early life respiratory illnesses and reverse causation. Therefore, it is possible that the effect of breastfeeding on early wheezing illness reflects protection against respiratory infection, the predominant trigger of wheezing in early childhood, rather than a true reduction in risk of asthma. In summary, future research that takes into account the potential contribution of confounding factors and effect modifiers is needed to clarify the role of breastfeeding in development of allergic disease and to inform current clinical guidelines on the prevention of allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Matheson
- Centre for MEGA Epidemiology, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Chen BY, Chan CC, Han YY, Wu HP, Guo YL. The risk factors and quality of life in children with allergic rhinitis in relation to seasonal attack patterns. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2012; 26:146-55. [PMID: 22324501 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2011.01203.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A questionnaire survey was conducted to examine whether risk factors and allergic rhinitis (AR)-related quality of life (QOL) were different among children with different seasonal patterns of AR. Participants were students enrolled in elementary and middle schools in Taipei County, Taiwan. Using moving average and principal component analysis, children with current AR were grouped by attack seasons. The effects of personal and environmental factors on AR seasonality were assessed by logistic regression models. AR severity and AR-related QOL were compared within AR seasonal subtypes. Among 4221 children who completed the questionnaire, 1144 and 1605 children were current AR cases and healthy controls, respectively. Four AR subtypes were categorised as follows: perennial, spring, summer/fall, and winter. Age, gender, parental education, maternal passive smoking during pregnancy, breast feeding, and mouldy walls were found to contribute differentially to different AR subtypes. Children suffering from perennial and winter AR were found to have more severe symptoms and significantly lower QOL score compared with other subtypes. Specific personal and environmental risk factors could contribute to different AR seasonal subtypes. Active allergen avoidance and symptomatic treatment should be the focus of management aiming to improve the QOL among children with perennial and winter subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Yu Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Merjonen P, Jokela M, Pulkki-Råback L, Hintsanen M, Raitakari OT, Viikari J, Keltikangas-Järvinen L. Breastfeeding and offspring hostility in adulthood. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2012; 80:371-3. [PMID: 21968478 DOI: 10.1159/000324748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Brew BK, Allen CW, Toelle BG, Marks GB. Systematic review and meta-analysis investigating breast feeding and childhood wheezing illness. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2011; 25:507-18. [PMID: 21980940 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2011.01233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is conflicting evidence concerning the relationship between breast feeding and wheezing illness. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is any association between breast feeding and wheezing in children aged over 5 years and to discover possible sources of heterogeneity. An electronic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was conducted from January 2000 to June 2010. In addition, reference lists from relevant publications were searched. Birth cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies were included if they measured any breast feeding or exclusive breast feeding for 3 or 4 months. Wheezing illness, including asthma, was identified based on symptoms, reported diagnosis or objective criteria. Thirty-one publications were identified for meta-analysis. There was no association found between any or exclusive breast feeding and wheezing illness, although there was a high level of heterogeneity between the studies. Subgroup analysis revealed that any breast feeding slightly lowers the odds of wheeze (pooled odds ratio 0.92 [0.86, 0.98]) but slightly increases the odds of asthma defined by specific criteria (pooled odds ratio 1.10 [1.00, 1.22]). This meta-analysis does not provide evidence that breast feeding is protective against wheezing illness in children aged 5 years and over. The difference in the effects of breast feeding according to the nature of the wheezing illness highlights the importance of the heterogeneity of illness phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn K Brew
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Boneberger A, Haider D, Baer J, Kausel L, Von Kries R, Kabesch M, Radon K, Calvo M. Environmental risk factors in the first year of life and childhood asthma in the Central South of Chile. J Asthma 2011; 48:464-9. [PMID: 21548831 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2011.576740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood asthma has a high prevalence in South America--a region of the world currently undergoing a thorough modernization and transition process. Asthma in South America is mainly associated with poor urban environment, which actually may challenge the role of the hygiene hypothesis. We systematically assessed the impact of environmental factors in the first year of life on asthma. METHODS A case-control study including 188 asthmatics and 294 hospital-based controls aged 6-15 years was carried out in the Central South of Chile. Parents of study participants completed a computer-assisted interview on environmental factors (such as birth order, day-care attendance, pneumonia infection, regular animal and furry pet contact, and environmental tobacco smoke exposure) in the first year of life and potential confounders. Atopy was assessed using skin prick tests. Multivariate logistic regression models were calculated to assess the association between exposures and asthma, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Day-care attendance (OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.94) and regular farm animal contact (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.85) were inversely related to childhood asthma in the logistic regression models. Pneumonia infection (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.16) and mold or dampness in the home (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.97) in the first year of life were positively associated with asthma. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the hygiene hypothesis is also applicable in the Chilean setting, a South American country in epidemiological transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Boneberger
- Unit for Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Maternal and childhood asthma: risk factors, interactions, and ramifications. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 32:198-204. [PMID: 21575714 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is emerging as a premier example of a health risk that can largely be molded by the status of the mother and the environmental conditions encountered during sensitive windows of prenatal and early childhood development. While genetic background, allergic status of parents, and predisposition for atopy and inflammation play a role, early-life environmental conditions can completely alter the course of immune and respiratory system development. Environmentally induced alterations that (1) maintain the Th2 bias seen during gestation, (2) block the maturation of innate immune cells and (3) create inflammatory dysfunction in the infant provide the foundation for childhood asthma. No single risk factor can fully explain the increased prevalence of asthma in recent decades but it is assumed that the rapid increase is due to environmental and/or epigenetic changes. Well-established and suspected environmental risk factors cover all categories of early life interactions from diet, exposure to environmental contaminants and drugs, maternal and neonatal infections, hygiene, timing of vaccinations and even the mode of birth delivery. Because asthma is connected to the risk of several comorbid chronic conditions, the benefit of asthma risk reduction and prevention is greater than initially may be apparent. This review discusses strategies to optimize preventative and therapeutic options across life stages.
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Chuang CH, Hsieh WS, Chen YC, Chang PJ, Hurng BS, Lin SJ, Chen PC. Infant feeding practices and physician diagnosed atopic dermatitis: a prospective cohort study in Taiwan. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22:43-9. [PMID: 20573037 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2010.01007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is common to recommend breastfeeding and a delayed introduction of solids to prevent atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the scientific evidence for this is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of breastfeeding and solids on AD, when taking account of reverse causality. This on-going birth cohort study was designed to sample 24,200 representative post-partum women and their babies from the Taiwan National Birth Registration database. Using two home interviews at 6 and 18 months after birth, with structured questionnaires about diet and physician's diagnosis of AD by parental reports, a total of 20,172 pairs (83.4%) were reviewed completely. Considering reverse causality, we excluded 2399 children with AD in the first 6 months of life and 18,733 were finally recruited. All study participants provided informed consent as approved by the Ethics Review Board of the National Taiwan College of Public Health. After adjustment for potential confounders, the overall results showed that the increased duration of breastfeeding seemed to increase the risk of AD at 18 months in children. However, no significant effect was found for the delayed introduction of solids on the risk of AD. There is no evidence of a protective effect of prolonged breastfeeding and a delayed introduction of solids against AD among children at age 18 months, and may even be a risk factor of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Hua Chuang
- Department of Nursing, Chang Jung Christian University, 396 Sec.1 Chang Jung Road, Kway Jen, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Puig C, Fríguls B, Gómez M, García-Algar O, Sunyer J, Vall O. [Relationship between lower respiratory tract infections in the first year of life and the development of asthma and wheezing in children]. Arch Bronconeumol 2010; 46:514-21. [PMID: 20832927 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2010.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Revised: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is limited knowledge on the relationship between lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and asthma and wheezing during infancy, as there are few studies with prospective design, birth cohort and in non selected population. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of asthma and recurrent wheezing in childhood and to analyse the relationship between LTRI during the first year of life and the development of asthma and/or wheezing in childhood. PATIENTS AND METHODS Prospective birth cohort study conducted in the Hospital del Mar (Barcelona). We recruited 487 children, followed up from the pregnancy to the 6th year of life. As outcomes we studied: the presence of asthma and wheezing. As independent variables we studied: LTRI occurring during the first year of life, and some covariables including, among others: prematurity, birth weight, maternal history of asthma and atopy, breastfeeding, prenatal exposure to tobacco. RESULTS The asthma prevalence at 6 year of age was 9.3%. The variables associated with the development of asthma were LTRI, prematurity, atopic mother and formula breastfeeding. LTRI during the first year of life were also related with early recurrent wheezing and persistent wheezing. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm that LTRI during the first year of life are related to the diagnosis of asthma and with the clinical phenotypes of early wheezing and persistent wheezing. These results are in accordance with the concept that LTRI occurring during a critical period of development, as are the first years of life, have an important role on in the later development of asthma and recurrent wheezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carme Puig
- IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, España
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Niñonuevo MR, Lebrilla CB. Mass spectrometric methods for analysis of oligosaccharides in human milk. Nutr Rev 2010; 67 Suppl 2:S216-26. [PMID: 19906226 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00243.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing the analytical platforms for characterizing human milk oligosaccharides is important to fully assess their specific functionalities. The characterization of these biomolecules, however, is still considered challenging, owing to their overall complexity and diversity. Addressed here are the technical difficulties with an emphasis on the application of mass spectrometry to rapidly profile and quantify human milk oligosaccharides. Fundamental concepts and improvements in instrumentation and an overview of the biological functions and structures of these compounds are also discussed. Results reveal that small-chain oligosaccharides, evident in abundance in the early stage of lactation, are selectively consumed by specific stains of Bifidobacterium longum biovar, infantis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milady R Niñonuevo
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA.
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Han YY, Lee YL, Guo YL. Indoor environmental risk factors and seasonal variation of childhood asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009; 20:748-56. [PMID: 19236600 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2009.00871.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Seasonality of asthma may result from varying exposures. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the relationship between indoor environmental factors and seasonal childhood asthma. Study subjects were participants from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) in 2004, a population-based surveillance, which included school children aged 6-15 yr in south Taiwan. Cases included 1725 children who experienced asthma symptoms in the past 12 months and the references consisted of 19,646 children who reportedly have no asthma history. By using a moving average and principal component analysis, asthmatic children were grouped into four asthma subtypes: winter, spring, summer/fall, and perennial. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of indoor environmental factors on seasonality of childhood asthma. For all asthma prevalence, a peak occurred in the winter and a nadir appeared in summer. Contributing factors of asthma for children, regardless of seasonality, included younger age, parental atopy, maternal smoking during pregnancy, breast feeding, and perceived air pollution. After adjusted for salient risk factors, water damage was significantly associated with all subtypes of asthma. Presence of cockroaches was related to the summer/fall asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-2.55). Visible mold on the walls was associated with an increased occurrence of winter and spring asthma (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.26-1.85 and aOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.10-1.62, respectively). Passive smoking was shown to be related to spring and summer/fall asthma. Water damage is a possible risk for childhood asthma year-round. Cockroaches and visible mold on the walls may play essential roles for seasonality of childhood asthma in Taiwan. Plausible mechanisms and allergic effects should be further determined. Elimination of these allergens is necessary to help prevent the development of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Ying Han
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Risk factors and prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren in Castellon (Spain): a cross-sectional study. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2009; 37:135-42. [PMID: 19769846 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-0546(09)71725-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on potential risk factors of asthma can enhance our understanding of geographic differences and inform decisions on preventive strategies. METHODS In 2002, a cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in the area of Castellon (Spain), following the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III methodology. Asthma symptoms and related risk factor questionnaires were completed by parents of 6-7 year-old schoolchildren. Logistic regression was used in the analysis. RESULTS Participation rate was 88 % (4492 of 4872 schoolchildren). Prevalence of wheeze in the past year, asthma ever, and physician-diagnosed asthma were 8 %, 7 % and 6 %, respectively. Risk factors independently associated with all three asthma case definitions were history of bronchitis or pneumonia, allergic rhinitis, family members with atopic disease, and residing in an industrialised area. Risk factors for asthma ever and physician-diagnosed asthma were male sex, atopic eczema and presence of a dog at home; exclusive breast-feeding and the presence of another animal (not a dog or cat) were protective factors. Maternal age was inversely related to physician-diagnosed asthma. Residence in an area of heavy truck traffic and the father smoking at home were associated with asthma ever. Risk factors for wheeze in the past year were low social class, history of sinusitis and the father smoking at home. CONCLUSIONS Environmental factors are related to the presence of asthma. Preventive measures should be directed to improving air pollution, promoting breast-feeding and reducing smoking in the home.
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Acevedo Villafañe C, Latorre Latorre F, Cifuentes Cifuentes L, Díaz-Martínez LA, Garza Acosta O. [Influence of breastfeeding and diet in the development of allergies in children]. Aten Primaria 2009; 41:675-80. [PMID: 19524326 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2009.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding and the development of allergic diseases (AD). DESIGN A cases-controls study. SETTING Santander University Hospital, Bucaramanga, Colombia, South America. Level II health care. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1460 boys and girls between 3 and 7 years old attending an outpatient clinic. MAIN MEASUREMENTS Partial (BF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF); relationship between the presence of allergic diseases and BF and EBF, adjusting for the confounding factors due to other exposures using logistic regression. RESULTS Out of a total of 1460 patients, 41.6% (95%CI 39.0-44.2) received EBF, while 44.4% (95%CI 41.9-47.0) were partially breastfed. Among those who had an allergy, 34.8% (95%CI 32.4-37.3) had rhinitis, 27.8% (95%CI 25.6-30.2) asthma and 11.6% (95%CI 10.0-13.4) atopic dermatitis; 7.0% (95%CI 5.1-9.3) had the three conditions. To breastfeed exclusively for >or= 3 months is a protective factor for AD (OR 0.70, 95%CI 0.48-1.03). Breastfeeding for 3 months, regardless of whether or not it is exclusive, is a risk factor for AD (OR 2.05, 95%CI 1.47-2.86). CONCLUSIONS The recommendation to exclusively breastfeed for as long as possible continues to be valid, as there was a significant preventive impact on the development of AD with the length of time breastfed. Prospective studies including lung function tests and immunological analyses need to be performed to confirm these findings.
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Hatakka K, Piirainen L, Pohjavuori S, Poussa T, Savilahti E, Korpela R. Allergy in day care children: prevalence and environmental risk factors. Acta Paediatr 2009; 98:817-22. [PMID: 19183114 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.01198.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the prevalence of atopic disease among Finnish day care children and the relationship between atopy and environmental factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 594 day care children aged 1-6 years from Helsinki, Finland. Each child's history of atopic diseases and environmental exposure was collected in a questionnaire completed by the parents. RESULTS The prevalence of diagnosed asthma was 0.9% for the 1-3-year olds and 5.5% for the 4-6-year olds, atopic eczema/dermatis was 16% in both groups, and allergic rhinitis 5% in the younger group, 9% in the older group. According to multivariable logistic regression models, breastfeeding (exclusive > or =4 months or partial > or =6 months) reduced the risk of atopic diseases (OR = 0.60; CI(95) 0.39-0.93, p = 0.021). Atopic diseases were more common in the oldest age group, 5-6-year olds, compared to the youngest, 1-2-year olds (OR = 2.18; CI(95) 1.14-4.15, p = 0.018). One parent with atopic disease increased the child's risk (OR = 1.89; CI(95) 1.20-2.97, p = 0.006), more so if both parents had a history (OR = 3.17; CI(95) 1.48-6.78, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Our results support the hypothesis that breastfeeding for at least six months may protect against atopic diseases. The child's greater age (5-6 years) and parental history of atopic diseases increased the risk of atopy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review examines recent studies of the relationships between breastfeeding and the epidemiology of allergic diseases, especially atopic dermatitis in infants and asthma in early and later childhood. RECENT FINDINGS Results from observational birth cohort studies, case-control studies, and one cluster randomized intervention trial have generally failed to demonstrate a protective effect of breastfeeding on outcomes of atopic dermatitis, allergic sensitization, wheezing, or asthma. Difficulties in interpretation relate to the absence of nonbreastfed control or reference groups in some studies, meaning outcomes can only be compared between different durations of breastfeeding. Studies with a nonbreastfed control group suggest there is an increased risk for atopy and asthma associated with breastfeeding and that prolonged breastfeeding may eventually reduce this increased risk. The family history, sex of the child, and the presence of other risk factors for allergy and asthma also influence the outcome. SUMMARY Although breastfeeding is strongly recommended for its multiple benefits on child health, most recent studies do not confirm the 'conventional wisdom' that breastfeeding is protective against allergy and asthma. Early reduction in childhood wheezing may reflect protection from viral infections, but allergies and asthma at later ages may be increased.
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