Systematic review: the role of breastfeeding in the development of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Barclay, A.R., Russell, R.K., Wilson, M.L., Gilmour, W.H., Satsangi, J. and Wilson, D.C. (2009) Systematic review: the role of breastfeeding in the development of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Pediatrics, 155(3), pp. 421-426. (doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.03.017)

Abstract

<b>Objectives</b>: To assess the current evidence for the role of breastfeeding in the development of early onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a systematic review. <b>Study design</b>: An electronic database search was performed (January 1966-January 2008) with keywords related to IBD and breastfeeding, looking specifically for studies that reported outcome in early-onset disease (<16 years of age) and "any exposure" to breast milk as the variables. Meta-analysis of studies included for review was then performed by using a random effects model, and results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% CIs. <b>Results</b>: A total of 79 articles were identified, 20 of which were found describing breastfeeding in relation to the development of IBD; 8 of these articles included separate early-onset groups. One study did not describe "any exposure" to breast milk for the early onset group, so 7 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Breast milk exposure had a significant protective effect (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.51-0.94; <i>P</i> = .02) in developing early-onset IBD. A non-significant difference was demonstrated for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease individually (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.51-1.02; <i>P</i> = .06; OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.38-1.07; <i>P</i> = .09, respectively). <b>Conclusions</b>: The current evidence demonstrates a possible protective effect for breast milk in the development of early onset IBD. However, the quality of existing data is generally poor. These findings need to be investigated in well-designed prospective studies.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Russell, Dr Richard and Gilmour, Mr Harper and Barclay, Dr Andrew
• Authors: Barclay, A.R., Russell, R.K., Wilson, M.L., Gilmour, W.H., Satsangi, J., and Wilson, D.C.
• Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences
• Journal Name: Journal of Pediatrics
• ISSN: 0022-3476
• ISSN (Online): 1097-6833