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Benefits of breastfeeding in cystic fibrosis: A single‐centre follow‐up survey
Author(s) -
Colombo Carla,
Costantini Diana,
Zazzeron Laura,
Faelli Nadia,
Russo Maria Chiara,
Ghisleni Diana,
Gatelli Italo,
Giovannini Marcello,
Riva Enrica,
Zetterström Rolf,
Agostoni Carlo
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00397.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cystic fibrosis , anthropometry , breastfeeding , psychosocial , pediatrics , lung function , population , multivariate analysis , socioeconomic status , exocrine pancreatic insufficiency , pulmonary function testing , lung , environmental health , psychiatry
Aim: To study the effect of breastfeeding (BF) on growth, lung function and number of infections during the first 3 years of life in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Material and methods: One hundred forty‐six CF patients, 5–18 years old, were recruited at their annual care visit. Information about infant feeding, psychosocial and socioeconomic conditions and smoking exposure was obtained by interviews. Anthropometric parameters at 1 year of age and the number of infections and hospitalisations during the first 3 years of life were obtained from clinical charts. Anthropometrics and pulmonary function parameters were obtained at enrolment. Results: In CF patients, particularly those with pancreatic insufficiency, the prevalence of BF was lower than the general Italian population. After multivariate analysis patients with prolonged BF showed higher values of CED expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV‐1) (p = 0.001) and a lower number of infections during the first 3 years of life (p = 0.098). Conclusion: Prolonged BF is beneficial in children with CF and may protect them against decline of pulmonary function. Particular attention should be paid to promote BF in infants with CF.