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Levene I, Mohd Shukri NH, O'Brien F, Quigley MA, Fewtrell M. Relaxation Therapy and Human Milk Feeding Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2024:2818395. [PMID: 38709505 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Importance Human milk feeding is a key public health goal to optimize infant and maternal/parental health, but global lactation outcomes do not meet recommended duration and exclusivity. There are connections between lactation and mental health. Objective To appraise all available evidence on whether the provision of relaxation interventions to lactating individuals improves lactation and well-being. Data Sources Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched on September 30, 2023, and topic experts were consulted. Study Selection Two independent reviewers screened for eligibility. Inclusion criteria were full-text, peer-reviewed publications with a randomized clinical trial design. Techniques that were entirely physical (eg, massage) were excluded. A total of 7% of initially identified studies met selection criteria. Data Extraction and Synthesis Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Fixed-effects meta-analysis and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations guidelines were used to synthesize and present evidence. Main Outcomes and Measures Prespecified primary outcomes were human milk quantity, length and exclusivity of human milk feeding, milk macronutrients/cortisol, and infant growth and behavior. Results A total of 16 studies were included with 1871 participants (pooled mean [SD] age for 1656 participants, 29.6 [6.1] years). Interventions were music, guided relaxation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises/muscle relaxation. Provision of relaxation was not associated with a change in human milk protein (mean difference [MD], 0 g/100 mL; 95% CI, 0; 205 participants). Provision of relaxation was associated with an increase in human milk quantity (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.89; 464 participants), increased infant weight gain in breastfeeding infants (MD, z score change = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.30-0.72; 226 participants), and a slight reduction in stress and anxiety (SMD stress score, -0.49; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.27; 355 participants; SMD anxiety score, -0.45; 95% CI, -0.67 to -0.22; 410 participants). Conclusions and Relevance Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that provision of relaxation was associated with an increase in human milk quantity and infant weight gain and a slight reduction in stress and anxiety. Relaxation interventions can be offered to lactating parents who would like to increase well-being and improve milk supply or, where directly breastfeeding, increase infant weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Frances O'Brien
- Newborn Care, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maria A Quigley
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Fewtrell
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
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Levene I, Quigley MA, Fewtrell M, O'Brien F. Does extremely early expression of colostrum after very preterm birth improve mother's own milk quantity? A cohort study. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2024:fetalneonatal-2023-326784. [PMID: 38442953 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess the relationship of time to first expression after very preterm birth and mothers' own milk quantity. DESIGN A cohort study (nested within a randomised trial). SETTING Four neonatal units in the UK. PATIENTS 132 mothers of single or twin infants born at 23+0 to 31+6 weeks postmenstrual age. EXPOSURES Time to the first attempt to express after birth. PRIMARY OUTCOMES 24-hour mother's own milk yield on days 4, 14 and 21 after birth. RESULTS Median time to first expression attempt was 6 hours. 51.7% expressed within 6 hours of birth (62/120) and 48.3% expressed more than 6 hours after birth (58/120). Expressing within 6 hours of birth was associated with higher milk yield on day 4 (88.3 g, 95% CI 7.1 to 169.4) and day 14 (155.7 g, 95% CI 12.2 to 299.3) but not on day 21 (73.6 g, 95% CI -91.4 to 238.7). There was an interaction between expressing frequency and time to first expression (p<0.005), with increased expressing frequency being associated with higher yield only in those who expressed within 6 hours. Expressing within 2 hours of birth was not associated with further milk yield increase. CONCLUSIONS Mothers who expressed within 6 hours of birth had higher milk yield, and a greater yield per expressing session, in the first 3 weeks after birth. This information will be highly motivating for families and the clinicians supporting them. There was no evidence of further benefit of extremely early expression (first 2 hours after birth). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN 16356650.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria A Quigley
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Mary Fewtrell
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Frances O'Brien
- Neonatal Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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Levene I, Adams E. The Interaction of Early Exclusive Mother's Milk Feeding and Ethnic Background with Ultimate Feeding Outcomes After Very Preterm Birth. Breastfeed Med 2023; 18:842-848. [PMID: 37971374 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2023.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Background: Mothers of very preterm infants (born under 32 weeks' gestation) have specific lactation challenges. There is little literature related to the influences on exclusive maternal milk provision. Method: An observational cohort using prospectively entered clinical data in a single tertiary neonatal unit in the United Kingdom over a 2-year period 2019-2021. There were 112 infants born under 32 weeks' gestation who fulfilled inclusion criteria. Results: Average gestation was 27.9 ± 2.6 weeks at birth and 37.3 ± 3.3 at discharge. On day 4 after birth, 29% (31/107) received exclusive maternal milk. At discharge, 54% (60/112) received exclusive maternal milk. Exclusive maternal milk at day 4 was associated with exclusive maternal milk at discharge (adjusted relative risk 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.5-3.6, p < 0.001). Mothers from "white other," Asian, and mixed/multiple ethnic backgrounds were more likely than white British mothers to give exclusive maternal milk at discharge. This association emerged only after adjustment for exclusive maternal milk at day 4 after birth. Conclusions: The association of minority ethnic background with feeding outcomes that has previously been noted in the United Kingdom general population was also found in this very preterm cohort. The relationship was strengthened after adjustment for exclusive maternal milk at day 4. This may suggest that establishing early milk supply is a universal barrier to later exclusive maternal milk in this population and that once milk supply is established, standard social and cultural experiences come to bear on infant feeding decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- Newborn Care, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eleri Adams
- Newborn Care, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Quigley MA, Harrison S, Levene I, McLeish J, Buchanan P, Alderdice F. Breastfeeding rates in England during the Covid-19 pandemic and the previous decade: Analysis of national surveys and routine data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291907. [PMID: 37819882 PMCID: PMC10566678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have compared breastfeeding rates before and during the pandemic using comparable data across time. We used data from two national maternity surveys (NMS) to compare breastfeeding rates in England before and during the pandemic. METHODS Analysis was conducted using the NMS from 2018 (pre-pandemic; n = 4,509) and 2020 (during the pandemic; n = 4,611). The prevalence of breastfeeding initiation, and 'any' breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 weeks and 6 months were compared between these surveys. Data were interpreted in the context of underlying trends in these prevalences from previous NMS (from 2010 and 2014), and annual routine data for England (from 2009-10 to 2020-21). Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) for the effect of birth during the pandemic (2020 versus 2018) on breastfeeding, with adjustment for sociodemographic and birth-related factors. RESULTS Breastfeeding initiation and any breastfeeding at 6 weeks remained relatively constant in the NMS and the routine data. Birth during the pandemic was associated with a 3 percentage point decrease in EBF at 6 weeks in the NMS (aRR 0.92, 95%CI: 0.87, 0.98 for pandemic versus pre-pandemic), but a smaller decrease in the routine data. Birth during the pandemic was associated with a 3 percentage point increase in any breastfeeding at 6 months in the NMS (aRR 1.05, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.10). Breastfeeding varied across different groups of women in the NMS (i.e. marked inequalities), but the small changes observed between the pandemic and pre-pandemic NMS were broadly similar across the sociodemographic and birth-related factors examined (i.e. no change in inequalities). CONCLUSION Breastfeeding initiation and any breastfeeding at 6 weeks in England were unaffected by the pandemic, and the persistent inequalities in breastfeeding did not widen. Services should aim to reduce these inequalities in breastfeeding which have been documented since the 1970s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Quigley
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Harrison
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ilana Levene
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny McLeish
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Phyll Buchanan
- Breastfeeding Supporter, The Breastfeeding Network, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Alderdice
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Levene I, Dhami A, Moreno M, Shine B, Chinoy A, Padidela R, Molnar Z. Characterisation of parathyroid hormone concentration in extremely preterm or very low birthweight infants in routine clinical screening for metabolic bone disease: A service evaluation cohort study. J Paediatr Child Health 2023; 59:1140-1145. [PMID: 37545420 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To characterise parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in infants at high risk for metabolic bone disease, in order to assist clinical decisions around the use of PTH for screening. METHODS Infants born under 28 weeks' postmenstrual age or with birthweight under 1.5 kg in a tertiary neonatal unit in the UK were included. Clinical guidance was to assess PTH concentration in the first 3 weeks after birth. Clinical information was extracted from prospective records. RESULTS Sixty-four infants had mean birth gestation of 26 weeks and birthweight of 882 g. Median PTH (sent on median day 18 of life) was 9.2 pmol/L (interquartile range 5.3-17 pmol/L). Sixty-seven per cent of infants had a PTH greater than 7 pmol/L. For 22% of the infants, raised PTH was not accompanied by abnormal phosphate or alkaline phosphatase. Eighty-nine per cent of infants tested were insufficient or deficient for 25-hydroxyvitamin D. CONCLUSIONS Universal screening highlights the high frequency of high PTH in this high-risk population, implying a need for calcium supplementation. A considerable number of infants would not be identified as showing potential signs of metabolic bone disease if the assessment excludes the use of PTH. The high level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency may be a confounder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- Newborn Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amraj Dhami
- Newborn Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mar Moreno
- Pharmacy Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Shine
- Biochemistry Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amish Chinoy
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Raja Padidela
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Zoltan Molnar
- Newborn Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Levene I, Bell JL, Cole C, Stanbury K, O'Brien F, Fewtrell M, Quigley MA. Comparing the effect of a lactation-specific relaxation and visualisation intervention versus standard care on lactation and mental health outcomes in mothers of very premature infants (the EXPRESS trial): study protocol for a multi-centre, unmasked, randomised, parallel-group trial. Trials 2022; 23:611. [PMID: 35906655 PMCID: PMC9335469 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06570-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Premature birth is the leading cause of neonatal death and can cause major morbidity. Maximising the amount of maternal breastmilk given to very premature infants is important to improve outcomes, but this can be challenging for parents. Parents of infants receiving neonatal care also have high rates of anxiety and distress. There is growing evidence for the impact of maternal relaxation interventions on lactation, as well as mental health. The trial will assess whether a brief self-directed relaxation and visualisation intervention, recommended for use several times a day during expression of milk, improves lactation and mental health outcomes for mothers of very premature infants. Methods Multi-centre, randomised, controlled, unmasked, parallel-group trial with planned 132 participants who have experienced premature birth between 23 weeks and 31 weeks and 6 days of gestation and plan to express milk for at least 14 days. The primary outcome is the highest 24-h expressed milk yield recorded on any of day 4, day 14 or day 21 after birth. Secondary outcomes include exclusive breastmilk feeding at 36 weeks post-menstrual age and at 4 months after the estimated date of delivery, Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Index at day 21 and Post-traumatic stress Check List (for DSM 5) at day 21. Discussion Breastmilk feeding for premature infants is an important research priority, but there are few randomised controlled trials assessing interventions to help parents reach lactation goals in this challenging context. This trial will assess whether a no cost, easily scalable relaxation tool has a role in this setting. Given the lack of harm and potential for immediate dissemination, even a small benefit could have an important global impact. Trial registration ISRCTN16356650. Date assigned: 19/04/2021. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06570-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer L Bell
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christina Cole
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kayleigh Stanbury
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Frances O'Brien
- Newborn Care, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust & Faculty of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mary Fewtrell
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Maria A Quigley
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Levene I. Do single parent adoptions have equal long-term outcomes for the child as couple adoptions? Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:401-405. [PMID: 33139349 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- Department of Community Paediatrics, Fir Tree House, Upton Hospital, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Albert Street, SL1 2BJ, Slough, Berkshire, UK
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Mort DO, Levene I. Does topical local anaesthesia reduce the pain and distress of nasogastric tube insertion in children? Arch Dis Child 2020; 105:697-700. [PMID: 32499232 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-319197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilana Levene
- Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Levene I, McCormick K. Improved growth of extremely and very preterm babies: Evaluation of a quality-of-care initiative. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:444-449. [PMID: 31774596 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To measure growth outcomes in preterm infants after introduction of a nutritional care bundle. METHODS A total of 509 infants of less than 32 weeks' gestation in a level III neonatal intensive care unit in the UK were studied until they were discharged home. Growth and feeding data were extracted from a prospective data registry for 18 months before and after the intervention. The intervention consisted of earlier routine bovine-derived multi-component fortification once the infant has reached 120ml/kg/day of enteral feed from the first day of life and an exclusive human milk diet with routine bovine-derived multi-component fortification of 120 mL/kg/day. RESULTS After the intervention, growth velocity between birth and 28 days increased from 9.7 ± 4.1 to 12.2 ± 4.6 g/kg/day (mean ± standard deviation), and weight z score change decreased from -1.06 ± 0.56 to -0.76 ± 0.59 (P < 0.00002). For the entire group, growth velocity by the discharge home time point increased by 1 g/kg/day. However, the growth velocity of infants who were discharged on an exclusive human milk diet increased the most, from 10.8 ± 2.2 to 13.0 ± 2.8 g/kg/day (P < 0.00001), eliminating the difference seen between these infants and those discharged on infant formula before the intervention. CONCLUSION The introduction of a simple nutritional package improved weight gain, particularly in infants fed exclusive human milk at discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- Newborn Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kenny McCormick
- Newborn Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Levene I, Wilkinson D. Identification and management of neonatal hypoglycaemia in the full-term infant (British Association of Perinatal Medicine-Framework for Practice). Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2019; 104:29-32. [PMID: 29903743 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- Neonatal Unit, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK
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Levene I, O'Brien F. Fifteen-minute consultation: Breastfeeding in the first 2 weeks of life-a hospital perspective. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2019; 104:20-26. [PMID: 29848502 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The beneficial health and economic impacts of breastfeeding are considerable. However the majority of babies in the UK are not exclusively breastfeeding by 6 weeks of age. The first few weeks of life are therefore a critical period to facilitate breastfeeding. Health professionals must have a thorough knowledge of normal breastfeeding patterns in order to minimise unnecessary interference, and an understanding of how to protect the breastfeeding relationship when medical problems occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- Neonatal Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Haeusler GM, Levene I. Question 2: what are the risk factors for antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteraemia in children with cancer? Arch Dis Child 2015; 100:895-8. [PMID: 26194357 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-309175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle M Haeusler
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ilana Levene
- Paediatric Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Levene I. Towards evidence based medicine for paediatricians. Question 1: Is measurement of sodium from capillary blood accurate enough for clinical decision making? Arch Dis Child 2014; 99:481-2. [PMID: 24719171 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-305890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- Department of General Paediatrics, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
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Levene I, Parker M. Prevalence of depression in granted and refused requests for euthanasia and assisted suicide: a systematic review. J Med Ethics 2011; 37:205-211. [PMID: 21278132 DOI: 10.1136/jme.2010.039057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an established link between depression and interest in hastened death in patients who are seriously ill. Concern exists over the extent of depression in patients who actively request euthanasia/physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and those who have their requests granted. OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of depression in refused and granted requests for euthanasia/PAS and discuss these findings. Methods A systematic review was performed in MEDLINE and PsycINFO in July 2010, identifying studies reporting rates of depression in requests for and cases of euthanasia/PAS. One author critically appraised the strength of the data using published criteria. RESULTS 21 studies were included covering four countries. There was considerable heterogeneity in methods of assessing depression and selecting patients. In the highest quality studies, in the Netherlands and Oregon, 8-47% of patients requesting euthanasia/PAS had depressive symptoms and 2-17% of completed euthanasia/PAS cases had depressive symptoms. In the Netherlands, depression was significantly higher in refused than granted requests, and there was no significant difference in the rate of depression between euthanasia cases and similar patients who had not made a request for euthanasia. CONCLUSION It is unclear whether depression increases the probability of making a request for euthanasia/PAS, but in the Netherlands most requests in depressed patients are rejected, leaving a depression rate in cases that is similar to the surrounding population. Less evidence is available elsewhere, but some level of depression has been identified in patients undergoing euthanasia/PAS in all the countries studied. Whether the presence of depression is ever compatible with an ethical decision on euthanasia/PAS is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levene
- The Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Badenoch Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK.
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Levene I, Traa MX, Ling R, Lally M, Adams E. Student-patient contact: are medical students too cautious? Med Teach 2011; 33:338-339. [PMID: 21456994 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2011.568798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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