The role of breastfeeding in sudden infant death syndrome.

Abstract

The objective of this article is to review the literature regarding the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in bottle-fed infants compared to those that are breastfed. A meta-analysis and qualitative literature review were performed. Cohort and case-control studies were included if they met a minimum SIDS definition and presented data allowing calculation of an odds ratio (OR). Twenty-three studies were included in the meta-analysis. The studies were heterogeneous, and a majority (14) were of "fair" or "poor" quality. Crude ORs from 19 individual studies favored breastfeeding as protective against SIDS. The combined analysis indicated that bottle-fed infants were twice as likely to die from SIDS (pooled OR = 2.11; 95% CI 1.66-2.68). The results of the analysis show that there is an association between bottle-feeding and SIDS, but this may be related to confounding variables.

• Authors: K L McVea, P D Turner, D K Peppler
• Journal: Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association (J Hum Lact) Vol. 16 Issue 1 Pg. 13-20 (Feb 2000) ISSN: 0890-3344 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11138219 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Bottle Feeding (adverse effects, statistics & numerical data)
• Breast Feeding (statistics & numerical data)
• Case-Control Studies
• Child, Preschool
• Cohort Studies
• Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Odds Ratio
• Research Design
• Risk Factors
• Sudden Infant Death (epidemiology, etiology, prevention & control)