[Disorders and drug consumption among infants. Does breast feeding have an impact?].

Disorders and drug use were analysed in 885 infants whose mothers responded to a questionnaire approximately four months after birth in Oslo, Norway in 1985. Breast-feeding had no influence on drug use in infants, though a lower incidence of some disorders (diarrhea, constipation, vomiting) was found in infants who were breast-fed for average four months than in infants who were weaned earlier. Use of drugs in infants was positively associated with use of drugs by the mother and with the length of her education. About 75% of the babies had at least one disorder and 60% had received at least one drug during the four month registration period. It was claimed that 85% of the drugs were recommended by a physician or a nurse. Anticolic agents, respiratory agents and dermatologicals were given frequently. The single most used drug was dimethicone. 98% of the 261 infants with colic syndrome were treated with this surface active drug, which has an efficacy similar to placebo. During a two week period preceding registration 12% of all infants and concomitantly 25% of the breast-fed infants were exposed to drugs at least once. The drug intake through breast milk was calculated to be 1/7 of the total drug use (117 infant Defined Daily Doses/1,000 infants/day) in breast-fed babies. Validation of the answers to the written questionnaire by subsequent interview of 96 mothers revealed considerable underreporting in the former; 33% for disorders, 22% for drugs and 18% for infant doses. It is concluded that medication for minor disorders in infancy is quite extensive and often unnecessary. Further informative efforts should be directed at parents, as well as the health workers involved.