Formula-feeding and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: is there an association? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to determine whether formula-feeding is associated with increased incidence.

METHODS: This case-control study included HPS cases and controls admitted between 1992 and 2012. Demographic data including feeding method were collected from patient charts and analyzed.

RESULTS: We identified 882 HPS cases and 955 controls. The highest incidence of HPS presentation was in summer (P=0.0028). Infants with HPS were more likely to have been exclusively formula-fed, have a family history of HPS, and be male compared to infants in the control group (P<0.001); they were also more likely to live in rural areas, although not significantly so. After adjusting for family history, sex, place of residence, and season of presentation, exclusively formula-fed infants were 1.36 times more likely to develop HPS compared with exclusively breastfed infants (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18-1.57, P<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: Formula-feeding is associated with significantly increased risk of HPS. Further investigation may help to determine the components of formula that simulate hypertrophy of the pylorus muscle, or the components of breast milk that are protective, as well as other influencing factors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.