Breastfeeding and Infections in Early Childhood: A Cohort Study
Abstract
Through linkage of Danish national databases and frequent text message–based questionnaires, in this study, we suggest an association between breastfeeding and early severe childhood infections. BrightcoveDefaultPlayer10.1542/6166441497001PEDS-VA_2019-1892 Video Abstract BACKGROUND: Studies on the association between breastfeeding and infections in children beyond the first year of life reveal conflicting results. In a population-based birth cohort, we investigated whether the duration of breastfeeding was associated with the number of hospitalizations due to infection and symptoms of infection at home. METHODS: In the Odense Child Cohort, text message questionnaires were used to register information on breastfeeding (weekly until end of weaning) and symptoms of infection (biweekly; 12–36 months of age). Hospitalization data were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry. RESULTS: Of the 1087 invited, 815 mother-infant pairs were included. The median duration of any breastfeeding was 7.6 (interquartile range: 3.5–10.4) months and of exclusive breastfeeding was 2.1 (interquartile range: 0.7–4.4) months. Hospitalization due to infection was seen in 207 (25.4%) infants during the first 3 years of life. The adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) for hospitalization due to any infection decreased with a longer duration of any breastfeeding (adjusted IRR: 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.93–0.99; P < .001). The strongest associations between the duration of any breastfeeding…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
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