Atopic Dermatitis and Breast Feeding/Weaning: Are they Related?

Abstract

Background: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a very common polygenic chronic disease for which several environmental risk and protective factors have been considered, including breastfeeding and early weaning. Methods: To determine the influence of breastfeeding and early weaning in the development of AD in a sample of Mexican children, one hundred patients with AD were selected (group I) and compared with one hundred non-atopic children (group II). The subjects in these groups were matched according to age and gender. The mothers of both groups completed a questionnaire that collected information on the length of breastfeeding, and the child’s age at the time of weaning. Statistical analyses were performed and information was presented in percentages, X square, Odds Ratios (OR), and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Results: The relationship between breastfeeding and AD was not statistically significant; however, we were able to demonstrate a close relationship between early weaning (before four months of age) and AD (p<0.0001, OR=2.85, 95% CI: 1.15-5.3). Conclusion: In a sample of the indigent pediatric population with Mestizo ancestry, AD is significantly related with early weaning. Infants who are weaned before four months of age have an almost three times greater riskthan the general population of developing AD.