Evaluation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life in patients with allergic proctocolitis

Allergic proctocolitis, which is one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding in infants, usually presents in the first months of life. Bloody stool is accompanied by complaints such as feeding problems, vomiting, colic, and mucous stool. The general condition and development of the patients are normal. The long-term prognosis of allergic proctocolitis is generally excellent. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and breastfeeding the baby is the best method for the health of both the baby and the mother. The content of breast milk contains high nutritional factors that support the growth and development of the baby, as well as contributes to the establishment of the mother-child bond. In allergic proctocolitis, the best diagnosis and treatment is the regression of the symptoms with the elimination of the responsible food from the diet of the mother and the baby. In this study, our aim is to determine the relationship of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and to emphasize the importance of breastfeeding in patients with allergic proctocolitis. Demographic characteristics, nutritional status, findings suggestive of the diagnosis of allergic proctocolitis, comorbidities, and family histories of the cases were questioned. The cases followed up with the diagnosis of allergic proctocolitis in the infantile period were included in the study. Our study was conducted with patients with a history of allergic proctocolitis, who applied to the pediatrics outpatient clinic of our hospital between November 1st and December 1st, 2022. A total of 50 cases, 46% (n=23) female and 54% (n=27) male, aged between 6 months and 18 years participated in the study. It was observed that 74% (n=37) of the cases received only breast milk for the first 6 months. While 48% (n=24) of our cases were diagnosed with allergic proctocolitis between 3-6 months, it was found that 64% (n=32) of our cases applied to the health institution with the complaint of mucous and bloody stool. Allergic proctocolitis was accompanied by other allergic diseases in 66% of our cases (n=33), and 28 (56%) of our patients had an allergic disease in their families. While 80% of our patients were on a diet restricted from cow's milk and products, the rate of patients on multiple diets was found to be 58% (n=29). When the patients who received only breast milk and those who received formula support were compared, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of having other allergic diseases, other comorbidities and elimination diets (p>0.05). Patients with allergic proctocolitis grow and develop like healthy children with early diagnosis and effective treatment. In these patients, the mother should be supported to breastfeeding with an appropriate diet and if the complaints do not regress despite the straight diets, amino acid-based formulas can be applied. More detailed studies with larger participant groups are needed in terms of the relationship between allergic proctocolitis and exclusive breastfeeding. Key Words: Allergic Proctocolitis, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Bloody Stool