Breast-feeding and postpartum relapse in women with rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that breast-feeding increases the risk of postpartum flare in inflammatory polyarthritis.


METHODS
We compared disease activity during pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum among 49 non-breast-feeders, 38 first-time breast-feeders, and 50 repeat breast-feeders.


RESULTS
After we adjusted for possible confounders, including treatment, first-time breast-feeders had increased disease activity 6 months postpartum, based on self-reported symptoms, joint counts, and C-reactive protein levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Postpartum flare may be induced by breast-feeding.
Barrett
J H
JH
University of Manchester, UK.
Brennan
P
P
Fiddler
M
M
Silman
A
A
D000328:Adult; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents