Does breastfeeding protect children from COVID-19? An observational study from pediatric services in Majorca, Spain

International Breastfeeding Journal

Jan Ramakers¹  Ruth Díez¹  Isabel Vinuela¹  Aina Prohens²  Sergio Verd³  Maria-Isabel Martin-Delgado⁴ 

[1] Department of Pediatrics, Son Espases University Hospital;Department of Pediatrics, Son Llatzer University Hospital;Pediatric Unit. La Vileta Surgery. Department of Primary Care;Pediatric Unit. Santa Ponsa Surgery. Department of Primary Care;

关键词: Child;    Breastfeeding;    COVID-19;    Disease transmission;    Oxidative stress;    Immune responses;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13006-021-00430-z

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background It has been demonstrated that children who had been breastfed remain better protected against various infections, and notably respiratory tract infections, well beyond infancy. Since the role of breastfeeding to explain why children are less affected by COVID-19 has not been studied until now, the aim of this study was to determine whether any history of breastfeeding reduces the incidence rate of COVID-19 in children. Methods This was a secondary analysis of an observational study on clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 in Majorca. A total of 691 children were recruited during the 5 months of August–December 2020. Eligible participants were children under 14 who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric emergency services. The independent explanatory variable was any breastfeeding. Bivariate analyses were conducted through the Chi-square test, the Fisher’s Exact test or the Student’s T test. All children had the same demographic, epidemiological and clinical data collected through a study team member interview and via the participants medical records. Results Within the sample of children who visited emergency services with symptoms of potential COVID-19, we found higher prevalence of positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test results among those who were exclusively formula fed compared with those who were ever breastfed (OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.45, 3.51; P = 0.036). Conclusions The present study suggests that ever breastfeeding reduces the risk of COVID-19 among children, as documented for other infections.

【 授权许可】

Unknown