Impact of breast milk on respiratory outcomes in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Abstract

Background The objective of our study was to examine whether outpatient respiratory morbidities in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are influenced by the human milk consumption. Methods Caregivers of subjects recruited from a BPD clinic completed questionnaires regarding breast milk intake and respiratory outcomes. Results One‐hundred eighty‐eight caregivers completed the questionnaire. Of these, 173 (92.0%) reported that the child received some breast milk. Infants who received breast milk for fewer months were more likely to be non‐white, and have a lower household income, public insurance, and secondhand smoke exposure. A longer receipt of breast milk was associated with reduced likelihoods of emergency department visits, systemic steroid courses, and cough or chest congestion, and a trend towards a lower risk of re‐hospitalizations. Conclusions Longer duration of breast milk intake was associated with markers of higher socio‐economic status, and reduced likelihood of acute and chronic respiratory morbidities among preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: a Multidisciplinary Approach to Management

“…The beneficial effects persist beyond NICU hospitalization. Longer duration of breastmilk feeding is associated with a reduction in post-discharge respiratory illnesses, emergency room visits, courses of corticosteroids, and episodes of cough and chest congestion [23]. Early and consistent lactation support is imperative for the initiation of production and maintenance of mothers' milk supply.…”

Nutrition and growth in infants with established bronchopulmonary dysplasia

“…The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends 34 that mother's breast milk should be used through the first 6 months of life. Data suggest that use of breast milk may be associated with reduced emergency department visits and need for systemic steroids in young children with BPD, 35 while data on reduction in hospitalization for lower respiratory tract infection is mixed 36 . Recent data have suggested that exclusive breastfeeding in infants may be associated with lower oxygen need in BPD infants following initial discharge 37 .…”

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: what are its links to COPD?

“…For instance, breast milk administration beyond 6 months of age was associated with a reduced likelihood of acute and chronic respiratory morbidities compared with BPD infants who did not receive breast milk beyond 6 months of age, and adherence to prescribed respiratory medications was also associated with better respiratory outcomes in children with BPD. 133,134 Based on these studies and extrapolation from non-BPD studies, there appears to be modifiable risk factors that can positively or negatively affect respiratory symptoms and lung function in children with BPD, which, in turn, may influence the development of COPD in this population (Table 1).…”