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Meta-Analysis
. 2001 Aug;139(2):261-6.
doi: 10.1067/mpd.2001.117006.

Breast-feeding and the risk of bronchial asthma in childhood: a systematic review with meta-analysis of prospective studies

M Gdalevich  1 , D Mimouni, M Mimouni
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Breast-feeding and the risk of bronchial asthma in childhood: a systematic review with meta-analysis of prospective studies

M Gdalevich et al. J Pediatr. 2001 Aug.

Abstract

Background: The protective effect of breast-feeding on the development of childhood asthma remains a matter of controversy. We conducted a systematic review of prospective studies that evaluated the association between exclusive breast-feeding during the first 3 months after birth and asthma.

Study design: We 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.

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