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© 1995 British Society for Rheumatology

research-article

BREAST FEEDING, OTHER REPRODUCTIVE FACTORS AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

J. G. BRUN*,{dagger},, S. NILSSEN{ddagger} and G. KVÅLE§

*Centre of Rheumatology, University of Bergen Norway
{dagger}Broegelmann Research Laboratory for Microbiology, University of Bergen Norway
{ddagger}Department of Epidemiology, University of Bergen Norway
§Centre of International Health, University of Bergen Norway

Correspondence to: Correspondec to: J. G. Brun, Centre of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway.

The evidence regarding reproductive events as risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not conclusive. In the present study a population-based cohort consisting of 63 090 women were followed from 1961 to 1989. Detailed data on reproductive factors were collected through personal interviews in the period 1956–9. The endpoint used was mention of RA on the death certificate. Mortality rate ratios were estimated by Poisson regression, controlling for various demographic variables. During 1 485 400 person-yr of observation, a total of 355 cases with RA mentioned on the death certificate were identified. Total time of lactation was associated with a decreased mortality of RA, with an approximate dose–response relationship. The results did not support a role of parity, age at first and last birth, or age at menarche’and menopause in the development of RA. This protective effect of lactation on the development of RA has not previously been described, and since a definite biological explanation is lacking, the association should be confinned in other populations.

KEY WORDS: Rheumatoid arthritis, Reproductive factors, Lactation, Mortality


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