Recensione dell’articolo: Amitay EL, Keinan-Boker L. Breastfeeding and childhood leukemia incidence. A meta-analysis and systematic review. JAMA Pediatr 2015;169(6):e151025.
The authors assess the relationship between duration of breastfeeding and incidence of acute childhood leukemia through a systematic review and meta-analysis of papers published between January 1960 and December 2014. The results indicate that, compared with no o shorter breastfeeding, any breastfeeding for 6 months or longer is associated with a 19% lower risk of childhood leukemia (odds ratio 0.81; 95% CI 0.73-0.89). A separate meta-analysis of 15 studies indicates that ever breastfed infants have a 11% lower risk for childhood leukemia than never breastfed infants. The authors conclude that 14% to 19% of all childhood leukemia cases may be prevented by breastfeeding for 6 months or more. These findings add to other health benefits for children and mother associated with breastfeeding.