Breast-feeding and postpartum relapse in women with rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis
J H Barrett1, P Brennan, M Fiddler
1University of Manchester, UK.
Objective:
To test the hypothesis that breast-feeding increases the risk of postpartum flare in inflammatory polyarthritis.
Methods:
We compared disease activity during pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum among 49 non-breast-feeders, 38 first-time breast-feeders, and 50 repeat breast-feeders.
Results:
After we adjusted for possible confounders, including treatment, first-time breast-feeders had increased disease activity 6 months postpartum, based on self-reported symptoms, joint counts, and C-reactive protein levels.
Conclusion:
Postpartum flare may be induced by breast-feeding.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:20Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease