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1.
Thiamine-responsive acute severe pulmonary hypertension in exclusively breastfeeding infants: a prospective observational study.
Sastry, UMK, M, J, Kumar, RK, Ghosh, S, A P, B, Subramanian, A, Managuli, A, Gangadhara, M, Manjunath, CN
Archives of disease in childhood. 2021;(3):241-246
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) causing right heart failure can occur due to thiamine deficiency in exclusively breastfeeding infants. This study describes the clinical profile and management of thiamine-responsive acute pulmonary hypertension. METHODS A prospective observational study of infants presenting with severe PH without any other significant heart or lung disease. History of symptoms, clinical examination, echocardiography and basic investigations were performed. Dietary patterns of mothers were recorded. Thiamine was administered and serial echocardiography was performed. RESULTS A total of 250 infants had severe PH and 231 infants responded to thiamine. The mean age was 3.2±1.2 months. Fast breathing, poor feeding, vomiting and aphonia were the main symptoms. Tachypnoea, tachycardia and hepatomegaly were found on examination. Echocardiogram revealed grossly dilated right heart with severe PH. Intravenous thiamine was administered to all the babies based on clinical suspicion. Clinical improvement with complete resolution of PH was noticed within 24-48 hours. Babies were followed up to a maximum of 60 months with no recurrence of PH. All the mothers consumed polished rice and followed postpartum food restriction. CONCLUSION Thiamine deficiency is still prevalent in selected parts of India. It can cause life-threatening PH in exclusively breastfeeding infants of mothers who are on a restricted diet predominantly consisting of polished rice. It can contribute to infant mortality. Thiamine administration based on clinical suspicion leads to remarkable recovery. High degree of awareness and thiamine supplementation in relevant geographical areas is required to tackle this fatal disease.
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2.
[Prevalence and determinants of breastfeeding: the Zorrotzaurre study].
López de Aberasturi Ibáñez de Garayo, A, Santos Ibáñez, N, Ramos Castro, Y, García Franco, M, Artola Gutiérrez, C, Arara Vidal, I
Nutricion hospitalaria. 2021;(1):50-59
Abstract
Introduction and objectives: breastfeeding (BF) is a feeding method that provides multiple benefits for the health of infants and their mothers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BF during the first year of life of children of women who gave birth in a private clinic in Biscay, Basque Country, Spain, and to identify the facilitating determinants and reasons for abandonment. Method: an observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study in a random sample of 453 newborns (NBs) recruited between 2016 and 2017. Results: in all, 366 women agreed to participate in all the study phases. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 51.7 % at baseline, 77.1 % at discharge, and 21.6 % after sixth months; and that of BF, 87.1 % at the beginning, 48.4 % at month six, and 20.6 % at one year. The facilitating factors of EBF were: at the beginning, not using a nest or breast pump; 15 days of satisfaction with LM and not using a pacifier or breast pump; 4 months of satisfaction with LM; 6 months attending Lactation Support Groups (GAL) and not introducing complementary feeding (CA); and those of LM at 1 year, attending GAL. The main reasons for abandonment were: own initiative, incorporation to work, and little weight gain by the NB. Conclusions: one in 5 newborns received EBF up to 6 months and BF up to one year. It would be necessary to promote strategies that favor breastfeeding, such as eliminating the nest, advising against breast pumps and pacifiers at the beginning, starting CA from the sixth month, and organizing GALs during the first year.
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3.
Complementary Feeding and Overweight in European Preschoolers: The ToyBox-Study.
Usheva, N, Galcheva, S, Cardon, G, De Craemer, M, Androutsos, O, Kotowska, A, Socha, P, Koletzko, BV, Moreno, LA, Iotova, V, et al
Nutrients. 2021;(4)
Abstract
Complementary feeding (CF) should start between 4-6 months of age to ensure infants' growth but is also linked to childhood obesity. This study aimed to investigate the association of the timing of CF, breastfeeding and overweight in preschool children. Infant-feeding practices were self-reported in 2012 via a validated questionnaire by >7500 parents from six European countries participating in the ToyBox-study. The proportion of children who received breast milk and CF at 4-6 months was 51.2%. There was a positive association between timing of solid food (SF) introduction and duration of breastfeeding, as well as socioeconomic status and a negative association with smoking throughout pregnancy (p < 0.005). No significant risk to become overweight was observed among preschoolers who were introduced to SF at 1-3 months of age compared to those introduced at 4-6 months regardless of the type of milk feeding. Similarly, no significant association was observed between the early introduction of SF and risk for overweight in preschoolers who were breastfed for ≥4 months or were formula-fed. The study did not identify any significant association between the timing of introducing SF and obesity in childhood. It is likely that other factors than timing of SF introduction may have impact on childhood obesity.
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4.
Mother's Own Milk Biomarkers Predict Coming to Volume in Pump-Dependent Mothers of Preterm Infants.
Hoban, R, Medina Poeliniz, C, Somerset, E, Tat Lai, C, Janes, J, Patel, AL, Geddes, D, Meier, PP
The Journal of pediatrics. 2021;:44-52.e3
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess serial secretory activation biomarker concentrations (sodium [Na], potassium [K], Na:K, protein, lactose, and citrate) in mother's own milk (MOM) from breast pump-dependent mothers of preterm infants to determine associations with coming to volume (CTV), defined as producing at least 500 mL/day MOM by day 14 postpartum. STUDY DESIGN We collected serial MOM samples and pumped MOM volume data for 14 days postpartum in mothers who delivered at <33 weeks of gestation. Regression models and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate associations. RESULTS Among 40 mothers, 39 (mean gestational age, 28.8 weeks; 67% overweight/obese; 59% nonwhite) had paired MOM volume and biomarker data; 33% achieved CTV between postpartum days 6 and 14. In univariate models, MOM Na on postpartum day 5 and Na:K on days 3 and 5 were associated with CTV. Mothers achieving CTV were more likely to have postpartum Na:K ≤1 on day 3 (75% vs 25%; P = .06) and ≤0.8 on day 5 (69% vs 10%; P < .01). In a multivariable regression model, day 5 Na:K (1 unit decrease in Na:K: OR, 18.7; 95% CI, 1.13-311.41; P = .049) and maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) (1 unit increase in BMI: OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78-0.99; P = .04) were associated with CTV between postpartum days 6 and 14. CONCLUSIONS Secretory activation and CTV were compromised in breast pump-dependent mothers with preterm delivery. CTV was predicted by MOM Na level and Na:K. These biomarkers have potential as objective point-of-care measures to detect potentially modifiable lactation problems in a high-risk population.
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5.
Association of Soy and Exclusive Breastfeeding With Central Precocious Puberty: A Case-Control Study.
Felício, JS, de Alcântara, AL, Janaú, LC, de Moraes, LV, de Oliveira, MCNI, de Lemos, MN, de Souza Neto, NJK, Neto, JFA, da Silva, WM, de Souza, ÍJA, et al
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2021;:667029
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While soy is suggested as a possible risk factor, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has a likely protective effect in precocious puberty. Our aim was to evaluate the association between both of these variables with central precocious puberty (CPP). METHODS We performed a retrospective, case-control study. A total of 161 girls were divided into two groups: 84 patients diagnosed with CPP composed the case group and 77 patients without the diagnosis of CPP (had gone through normal onset of puberty) were the control group. RESULTS Our control group had a higher presence of EBF >6 months, which was an important protective factor for CPP (OR: 0.5; IC 95%: 0.3-0.9, p = 0.05) and also correlated negatively with the presence of it (r = -0.2; p < 0.05). Oppositely, the use of soy was significantly higher in the CPP group, (OR: 3.8; IC 95%: 1.5-6, p < 0.05) and positively correlating (r = 0.2; p < 0.01) with the presence of CPP. Duration of soy intake (years) correlated with bone age (r = 0.415; p < 0.05). A logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effects of EBF duration and soy on CPP. The model was significant (x² (2) = 20,715, p = <0.001) and explained 12.2% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance, correctly classifying 62.5% of cases. EBF was associated with a reduction of likelihood of having CPP [OR = 0,187 (CI = 0.055-0,635); Wald = 7,222, p = 0.007], while soy intake increased the risk [OR = 3.505 (CI) = 1,688-7,279, Wald = 11,319, p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION Our data found the use of soy was associated with CPP. Additionally, EBF was pointed as a protective factor. However, future prospective studies are needed to clarify this issue.
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6.
SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Results from an Observational Study in Primary Care in Belgium.
Ceulemans, M, Verbakel, JY, Van Calsteren, K, Eerdekens, A, Allegaert, K, Foulon, V
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;(18)
Abstract
COVID-19 also affects pregnant and breastfeeding women. Hence, clinicians and policymakers require reliable evidence on COVID-19 epidemiology and consequences in this population. We aimed to assess the susceptibility of pregnant women to SARS-CoV-2 and women's perceived impact of the pandemic on their breastfeeding practices, medical counseling and social support. We performed a cross-sectional study using an online survey in primary care in Belgium. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and women who breastfed in the preceding four weeks were eligible to participate. The survey was distributed through social media in April 2020. In total, 6470 women participated (i.e., 2647 pregnant and 3823 breastfeeding women). Overall, 0.3% of all respondents reported to have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, not indicating a higher susceptibility of pregnant women to contracting COVID-19. More than 90% refuted that the pandemic affected their breastfeeding practices, nor indicated that the coronavirus was responsible for breastfeeding cessation. Half of the women even considered giving longer breastmilk because of the coronavirus. In contrast, women's medical counseling and social support were negatively affected by the lockdown. Women without previous breastfeeding experience and in the early postpartum period experienced a higher burden in terms of reduced medical counseling and support. In the future, more consideration and alternative supportive measures such as tele-visits by midwives or perinatal organizations are required for these women.
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7.
Comparison of Types of Breast Milk Fortification at Discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Breast Milk Feeding Rates and Growth at 4 Months Corrected Age.
Gehl, B, Brownell, E, Power, K, Feinn, R, Haines, K, Lussier, M, Moore, J, Lainwala, S
Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. 2020;(10):655-661
Abstract
Background: Effects of breast milk (BM) enhancement on long-term BM feeding in preterm infants discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have not been examined previously. This study compares any BM feeding rates at 4 months corrected age (CA) in preterm infants discharged from the NICU on BM enhancement by fortification of expressed BM with infant formula additives (BM-F) versus BM supplemented with infant formula feeds (BM-S). Subjects and Methods: We compared infants born between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017, with gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <1500 g, discharged home on BM-F or BM-S from two NICUs and followed at 4 months CA. Multivariate logistic regression with propensity scoring estimated the adjusted associations between nutrition at discharge and any BM feeding at 4 months CA. Results: Two hundred eighty-five infants were followed at 4 months CA. Infants discharged on BM-F were more likely to have mothers with multiple gestation, private insurance and not Caucasian, initiate feeds of human milk, be discharged from NICU-1, and receive any BM at 4 months CA (p < 0.03). No significant difference in growth parameters <10th percentile at 4 months CA was observed between the two groups. After adjusting for confounding factors, discharge from the NICU on BM-F was significantly associated with BM feeding at 4 months CA (odds ratio: 3.89, 95% confidence interval 1.66-9.14, p = 0.002). Conclusion: In this observational study, preterm infants receiving BM fortified with formula powder additives at discharge from the NICU had better BM feeding outcomes without poor growth at 4 months CA relative to those infants receiving BM supplemented with infant formula feeds.
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8.
Dietary intake of Aboriginal Australian children aged 6-36 months in a remote community: a cross-sectional study.
Tonkin, E, Kennedy, D, Hanieh, S, Biggs, BA, Kearns, T, Gondarra, V, Dhurrkay, R, Brimblecombe, J
Nutrition journal. 2020;(1):34
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scarce literature comprehensively captures the transition to solid foods for children in remote Aboriginal Australian communities, a population expected to be especially vulnerable to nutritional inadequacy for largely socio-economic reasons. This study describes the dietary intake of children aged 6-36 months in a remote Aboriginal community during the years of solids introduction and establishment. Specifically, we aimed to explore milk feeding practices, major sources of nutrition and traditional food consumption, dietary patterns and nutrient and food group intakes, and compare these to national and international recommendations. METHODS This dietary assessment was conducted as part of an observational, cross-sectional Child Health and Nutrition study. Three 24-h dietary recalls were completed with the parent/care-giver of each participant over 2-4 weeks, capturing a pay-week, non-pay-week and weekend day from October 2017-February 2018. Additional information collected included sociodemographic data, food security status, usual cooking practices, and attendance at playgroup. RESULTS Diet histories for 40 children were included in the analysis (~ 40% of the population). Breast feeding rates were high (85%), with mothers exclusively feeding on demand. Very few participants met recommended intakes for wholegrains (n = 4, 10%), vegetables (n = 7, 18%), dairy (n = 5, 18%) and fruit (n = 13, 33%), while more children met the guidelines for meat (n = 19, 48%) and discretionary food intake (n = 28, 70%). Traditional foods were always nutritionally dense and consumed frequently (n = 22, 55% of children). Statistically significant pay-cycle differences in intakes of all macro-, and numerous micro-nutrients were observed. CONCLUSIONS Many positive early feeding practices are currently enacted in remote Aboriginal communities including responsive and long duration breastfeeding, and nutrient-dense traditional food consumption from earliest solids introduction. However, the non-pay-week/pay-week cycle is impacting the quality and quantity of children's diets at a time of rapid growth and development.
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9.
Breastfeeding and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer among women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
Kotsopoulos, J, Gronwald, J, McCuaig, JM, Karlan, BY, Eisen, A, Tung, N, Bordeleau, L, Senter, L, Eng, C, Couch, F, et al
Gynecologic oncology. 2020;(3):820-826
Abstract
OBJECTIVE BRCA mutation carriers face a high lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. The strong inverse association between breastfeeding and the risk of ovarian cancer is established in the general population but is less well studied among women with a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. METHOD Thus, we conducted a matched case-control analysis to evaluate the association between breastfeeding history and the risk of developing ovarian cancer. After matching for year of birth, country of residence, BRCA gene and personal history of breast cancer, a total of 1650 cases and 2702 controls were included in the analysis. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with various breastfeeding exposures. RESULTS A history of ever-breastfeeding was associated with a 23% reduction in risk (OR = 0.77; 95%CI 0.66-0.90; P = 0.001). The protective effect increased with breastfeeding from one month to seven months after which the association was relatively stable. Compared to women who never breastfed, breastfeeding for seven or more months was associated with a 32% reduction in risk (OR = 0.68; 95%CI 0.57-0.81; P < 0.0001) and did not vary by BRCA gene or age at diagnosis. The combination of breastfeeding and oral contraceptive use was strongly protective (0.47; 95%CI 0.37-0.58; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These findings support a protective effect of breastfeeding for at least seven months among women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, that is independent of oral contraceptive use.
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10.
Determinants of excessive weight loss in breastfed full-term newborns at a baby-friendly hospital: a retrospective cohort study.
Miyoshi, Y, Suenaga, H, Aoki, M, Tanaka, S
International breastfeeding journal. 2020;(1):19
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive weight loss in newborns is associated with neonatal complications such as jaundice and dehydration, which cause renal failure, thrombosis, hypovolemic shock, and seizures. The identification of the risk factors for excessive weight loss will help to discover preventive measures. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with excessive weight loss, defined as weight loss of ≥10%, in breastfed full-term newborns in Japan. METHODS The present retrospective study, which was performed in a tertiary perinatal center accredited as a Baby-Friendly Hospital, included neonates who were born alive with a gestational age of ≥37 weeks. Cases of multiple births, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), referral to another facility, or exclusive formula feeding were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between maternal or neonatal characteristics and excessive weight loss. RESULTS We studied 399 newborns, of whom 164 (41%) had excessive weight loss. According to the adjusted multiple regression analysis, the factors associated with excessive weight loss were an older maternal age, primiparity, and antepartum Caesarean section, with adjusted odds ratios (95% Confidence Intervals [CIs]) of 1.07 (1.02, 1.11), 2.72 (1.69, 4.38), and 2.00 (1.09, 3.65), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Close monitoring of infants born to older mothers, primiparous mothers, or infants delivered by antepartum Cesarean section is recommended, and earlier supplementation with artificial milk may be considered.