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Eczema and early solid feeding in preterm infants
J Morgan1, P Williams, F Norris
1School of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK. j.morgan@surrey.ac.uk
Insights
Early introduction of diverse solid foods by 17 weeks post-term significantly increases eczema risk in preterm infants. Male infants and those with specific parental feeding practices also face higher risks.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Pediatric dermatology
- Allergy research
Background:
- Eczema development in preterm infants is a concern.
- Feeding practices may influence infant health outcomes.
- Confounding factors require consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between infant feeding practices and eczema development.
- To account for confounding variables in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Logistic regression analysis of data from 257 preterm infants up to 12 months post-term.
- Inclusion of confounding factors: infant gender, parental atopy, social background, parental smoking.
Main Results:
- Introducing ≥4 solid foods by 17 weeks post-term significantly increased eczema risk (OR 3.49).
- Male infants had a higher risk (OR 1.84).
- Early solid food introduction (before 10 weeks) by non-atopic parents, or having atopic parents, posed significant risk (OR 2.94).
Conclusions:
- Early and diverse solid food introduction may predispose preterm infants to eczema.
- Parental atopic status and timing of solid food introduction are critical risk factors.
Aims:
To establish whether development of eczema is influenced by feeding practices in preterm infants, while taking account of confounding factors.
Methods:
Data were assembled from 257 infants born prematurely and studied to 12 months post-term. Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the association between feeding practices and eczema, allowing for potential confounding factors including the infants' gender, parental atopic status, social background, and parental smoking habits.
Results:
For the development of eczema (with or without other symptoms) by 12 months post-term, the introduction of four or more solid foods by or before 17 weeks post-term was a significant risk (odds ratio 3.49). Male infants were at significantly higher risk (odds ratio 1.84). In addition, having non-atopic parents who introduced solid foods before 10 weeks post-term or having at least one atopic parent represented a significant risk scenario (odds ratio 2.94).
Conclusions:
Early introduction of a diverse range of solid foods may predispose the preterm infant to eczema development by 12 months post-term. Furthermore, non-atopic parents who practice early as opposed to late introduction of solid foods may be exposing preterm infants to a greater risk of eczema by 12 months post-term.
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