Literature review for - Flourish Paediatrics

descriptive)
RESULTS
Outcome
EXTERNAL
VALIDITY
Generalisability
Applicability
Comments
Conclusion
Odds ratios in the range of 1.2 to 1.5 for increased risk of asthma and atopic disease all show increased risk when not
breastfed. Authors quote a previously published meta-analysis of 9 studies that showed that children breastfed for at least 3
months were significantly protected against development of asthma, OR= 0.80 and other meta analyses with a similar
protective effect (26%-30%) for exclusive breastfeeding during the first 3 months from developing asthma, allergic rhinitis
and atopic eczema.
y
y
From the studies that met the strict criteria for breastfeeding and atopic disease, all demonstrated a protective effect of
breast-milk feeding or conversely, a risk of formula feeding. However, the continuing protective effect of breastfeeding on
asthma and atopy later in adolescence and adulthood has yet to be confirmed in larger longitudinal studies. Given the many
benefits conferred by breast-milk, breastfeeding should continue to be promoted as the preferred infant feeding method for
the first 6 months and up to two years, as recommended by WHO.
525