Prevalence of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis and relation to breast feeding trends in the Maltese Islands between 1995 and 2007

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have indicated that breastfeeding may protect against the development of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). This study investigated trends in IHPS over the period 1995-2007 in Malta and analysed the relationship of IHPS and changes in infant feeding practices during the same time period. Methods: Patients with IHPS were identified from Hospital Activity Analysis reports. The case notes were obtained and the following data were collected: birth order of the patient, gender and type of feeding. Breast feeding information trends were obtained from published reports. Population data were obtained from publications of the National Statistics Office. Results: A total of 125 patients were operated for IHPS. Case records were available for 86. The incidence was 2.26 per 1000 live births. There was an expected preponderance of males with no mortality. Seventy one patients (82.5%) had been formula fed from day one, while ten patients were exclusively breast fed. Five patients were breast fed and supplemented with formula at presentation. Forty-six patients were first born infants. A nonsignificant downward trend was noted. IHPS was significantly less common in breast fed infants (χ2 72.4, p=<0.001). Conclusion: These findings further support the hypothesis that breast feeding protects against the development of IHPS.