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Breast-feeding and acute otitis media
M L Sassen1, R Brand, J J Grote
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Insights
Breastfeeding duration impacts acute otitis media (AOM) risk. The protective effect wanes over time after discontinuing breastfeeding, with risk levels similar to never-breastfed infants after approximately 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood infection.
- Risk factors for AOM are multifactorial, including feeding practices.
- The impact of breastfeeding cessation on AOM risk requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between breastfeeding duration and the risk of AOM.
- To determine how the risk of AOM changes after breastfeeding is discontinued.
- To identify other covariates influencing AOM risk.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 289 infants followed up to 24 months of age.
- Data collected from regular check-up visits at child health care centers.
- Statistical analysis to assess AOM risk as a function of breastfeeding status and other factors.
Main Results:
- AOM risk was significantly reduced for up to 4 months after breastfeeding cessation.
- Risk approached that of never-breastfed infants approximately 12 months post-cessation.
- Infant's number of siblings and socioeconomic status were also significant risk factors for AOM.
Conclusions:
- The duration of breastfeeding and time elapsed since cessation are critical determinants of AOM risk.
- Breastfeeding provides a diminishing protective effect against AOM after discontinuation.
- Socioeconomic factors and family size also play a role in AOM incidence.
Introduction:
The risk of acute otitis media (AOM) is estimated as a function of a number of covariates, with special emphasis on changes to this risk after breast-feeding is discontinued.
Materials And Methods:
Two hundred eighty-nine children born between July 1987, and October 1988, were studied up to the age of 24 months. The enrollment of the children took place during their regular check-up visits at three different child health care centers.
Results:
The risk of AOM was significantly decreased until 4 months after breast-feeding was discontinued; then, without the protective effect of breast-feeding, and with increasing months, the children approached the risk level estimated in the group of children who were never breast-fed. Approximately 12 months after breast-feeding was discontinued, the risk was virtually the same as if the child had never been breast-fed. The risk of AOM was also significantly dependent on the infant's number of siblings and socioeconomic status.
Conclusion:
The risk of AOM depends on the number of months an infant is breast-fed and the number of months that pass after breast-feeding is discontinued.