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Influence of past breast feeding on pattern and severity of presentation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Kimme L Hyrich1, Eileen Baildam2, Hannah Pickford3

  • 1Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|September 16, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding may reduce the severity of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Breastfed children showed lower disease activity scores and pain at onset, suggesting a protective effect in early childhood arthritis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous autoimmune condition affecting children.
  • Understanding environmental factors influencing JIA onset and severity is crucial for early intervention.
  • Breastfeeding is recognized for its immunological benefits in infancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between breastfeeding and the pattern and severity of JIA at presentation.
  • To compare disease severity markers in children with JIA based on breastfeeding history.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 923 children with JIA from the UK Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study.
  • Comparison of disease severity indicators (CHAQ, pain, parent evaluation) between breastfed and non-breastfed children.
  • Statistical adjustment for socioeconomic status to isolate the effect of breastfeeding.

Main Results:

  • 56% of children were breastfed for a median of 3.7 months.
  • Breastfed children had a lower median age at onset, lower CHAQ scores, and reported less pain.
  • A trend suggested fewer cases of enthesitis-related and psoriatic arthritis in breastfed infants.
  • A significant inverse association was found between breastfeeding and high CHAQ scores (aOR 0.61).

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding is associated with reduced disease severity in children with JIA at presentation.
  • The findings suggest a potential protective role of breastfeeding against severe JIA.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association.

Keywords:
EpidemiologyInfant FeedingRheumatology

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