Benefits of breastfeeding in cystic fibrosis: a single-centre follow-up survey.
OBJECTIVE
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).


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 enrollment.


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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Colombo
Carla
C
Department of Pediatrics, CF Center, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS University of Milan, Milan, Italy. carla.colombo@unimi.it
Costantini
Diana
D
Zazzeron
Laura
L
Faelli
Nadia
N
Russo
Maria Chiara
MC
Ghisleni
Diana
D
Gatelli
Italo
I
Giovannini
Marcello
M
Riva
Enrica
E
Zetterström
Rolf
R
Agostoni
Carlo
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000254:growth & development / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012923:Social Class; D013997:Time Factors; D014797:Vital Capacity