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Open Access 01-09-2013 | Review

Breastfeeding for reducing the risk of pneumonia morbidity and mortality in children under two: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Authors: Laura M Lamberti, Irena Zakarija-Grković, Christa L Fischer Walker, Evropi Theodoratou, Harish Nair, Harry Campbell, Robert E Black

Published in: BMC Public Health | Special Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Background

Suboptimal breastfeeding practices among infants and young children <24 months of age are associated with elevated risk of pneumonia morbidity and mortality. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the protective effects of breastfeeding exposure against pneumonia incidence, prevalence, hospitalizations and mortality.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review of studies assessing the risk of selected pneumonia morbidity and mortality outcomes by varying levels of breastfeeding exposure among infants and young children <24 months of age. We used random effects meta-analyses to generate pooled effect estimates by outcome, age and exposure level.

Results

Suboptimal breastfeeding elevated the risk of pneumonia morbidity and mortality outcomes across age groups. In particular, pneumonia mortality was higher among not breastfed compared to exclusively breastfed infants 0-5 months of age (RR: 14.97; 95% CI: 0.67-332.74) and among not breastfed compared to breastfed infants and young children 6-23 months of age (RR: 1.92; 95% CI: 0.79-4.68).

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of breastfeeding during the first 23 months of life as a key intervention for reducing pneumonia morbidity and mortality.

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Title: Breastfeeding for reducing the risk of pneumonia morbidity and mortality in children under two: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Laura M Lamberti
Irena Zakarija-Grković
Christa L Fischer Walker
Evropi Theodoratou
Harish Nair
Harry Campbell
Robert E Black
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue Special Issue 3/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-S3-S18

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Breastfeeding for reducing the risk of pneumonia morbidity and mortality in children under two: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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