title: Breast-feeding and atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome: protective or harmful?
abstract: Numerous studies have addressed the potential of breast-feeding to protect for the development of allergic diseases, and in particular of atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome (AEDS). Although the majority of studies, as well as several meta-analyses, are strongly in favour of breast-feeding, there are some conflicting results and open issues. Furthermore, breast-feeding might be detrimental in a subgroup of young infants with severe early manifestations of AEDS and immunoglobulin E sensitizations to common foods. The aim of this review is not to analyse systematically the current literature, but to suggest a scientifically and clinically based analysis of the benefits of breast-feeding in atopic infants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Eigenmann
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis; D007223:Infant; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory