Day-care, early infections, and childhood leukaemia
Author Information
Author(s): Perrillat F, Clavel J, Auclerc M F, Baruchel A, Leverger G, Nelken B, Philippe N, Schaison G, Sommelet D, Vilmer E, Hémon D
Primary Institution: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale
Hypothesis
The study investigates the role of early infections in the aetiology of childhood acute leukaemias.
Conclusion
The study found that early common infections, day-care attendance, and prolonged breast-feeding are inversely associated with childhood acute leukaemia.
Supporting Evidence
- Day-care attendance was inversely associated with childhood leukaemia.
- Repeated early common infections before age 2 were negatively associated with childhood leukaemia.
- Prolonged breast-feeding for at least 6 months was associated with a lower risk of childhood leukaemia.
Takeaway
Kids who go to day-care and have more infections when they're little might be less likely to get a type of cancer called leukaemia.
Methodology
A case-control study with 280 cases of childhood acute leukaemia and 288 matched controls, using standardized interviews to collect data.
Potential Biases
Potential for differential misclassification due to mothers' reporting of infections.
Limitations
The study may have selection biases due to the control group being recruited from different diagnostic categories.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 15 years or less, with cases confirmed by cytology.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.6
Confidence Interval
(0.4–1.0)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website