A dual long-term effect of breastfeeding on atopy in relation to heredity in children at 4 years of age.
BACKGROUND
The long-term effect of early feeding on atopic sensitization is still unsolved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of breastfeeding on atopy in groups of 4-year-old children stratified by atopic heredity.


METHODS
We collected four groups of 4-year-old children from a birth cohort: two groups with differing backgrounds of atopic heredity, all exclusively breast-fed for at least 3 months; and two groups with differing atopic heredity, but all fed with cow's milk-based formula during their first weeks. The data were collected with a questionnaire, skin prick testing, and measurement of serum total and allergen-specific IgE levels.


RESULTS
Breastfeeding significantly decreased the risk of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis [odds ratio (OR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.95] and sensitization to furred pets, as measured by skin prick results, in children with atopic heredity, whereas in children without atopic heredity, breastfeeding was related to an increased risk of symptomatic atopy (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.16-5.70), and high serum IgE values. A significant interaction was found between heredity and breastfeeding.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term effect of breastfeeding was dual: in children with atopic heredity, breastfeeding protected against atopy, whereas in children without atopic heredity, it increased the risk of atopy.
Siltanen
M
M
Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Kajosaari
M
M
Poussa
T
T
Saarinen
K M
KM
Savilahti
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008892:Milk; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors