Infections, Breast-Feeding, and Childhood Leukaemia
Author Information
Author(s): Infante-Rivard C, Fortier I, Olson E
Primary Institution: McGill University
Hypothesis
Infections may play a role in the development of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Conclusion
Certain factors like having older siblings and mother's antibiotic use during pregnancy increase the risk of childhood leukaemia, while breast-feeding and early day-care attendance provide protective effects.
Supporting Evidence
- Having older siblings and mother's use of antibiotics during pregnancy were associated with increased risk of leukaemia.
- Early day-care attendance was significantly protective against leukaemia.
- Breast-feeding was also found to be protective against childhood leukaemia.
Takeaway
Kids who have older brothers or sisters or whose moms took antibiotics while pregnant might be more likely to get leukaemia, but being breast-fed and going to day-care early can help protect them.
Methodology
A population-based case-control study was conducted in Québec, Canada, evaluating pre- and postnatal infection markers and breast-feeding in relation to childhood leukaemia.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 0 to 9 years diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and matched healthy controls.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.31–0.77; 95% CI 0.49–0.95; 95% CI 2.27–9.07; 95% CI 0.22–0.97
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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