BackgroundReports of frequent manifestation of allergic diseases in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been the subject of mounting clinical interest. However, evidence supporting the association between ADHD and allergies is inconsistent and has yet to be systematically reviewed. The objective of this study was to compile and assess available studies on the association between ADHD and allergic diseases in children.MethodsA comprehensive search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and CINAHL databases was completed in 23 November 2015. The inclusion criteria for studies were that the research assessed allergic diseases in children, 18 years of age and younger, with a diagnosis of ADHD and that a distinct comparison group was incorporated. Any comparative studies, encompassing both randomized controlled trials and observational studies, were considered for inclusion. Two review authors independently assessed the quality of the selected studies by the use of validated assessment tools, performed data extraction and conducted meta-analysis according to Cochrane Collaboration guidelines.ResultsFive eligible studies were included in this systematic review. Of these studies, three were case-control and two were cross sectional studies. A majority of information from the five studies was classified as having low or unclear risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed an association between children with ADHD and asthma compared with the control groups (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.57 - 2.07; five studies, low quality of evidence), but did not indicate an association between food allergy and ADHD (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.88 - 1.47; three studies very low quality of evidence). The odds of experiencing allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and allergic conjunctivitis were slightly higher in children with ADHD compared with control groups, though a substantial statistical heterogeneity was notable in the overall effect estimates.ConclusionsThe findings from this review and meta-analysis show that children with ADHD are more likely to have asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and allergic conjunctivitis than their counterparts. Interventions including strategies for managing allergies in children with ADHD would be beneficial.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12888-017-1281-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Breastfeeding is associated with reduced mortality in children aged less than 5 years. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (registered as PROSPERO 2015: CRD42015019105) to examine the effectiveness of community-based peer support for mothers on their breastfeeding practices as compared to mothers who have not received such a support.MethodsWe searched for evidence regarding community-based peer support for mothers in databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, SocINDEX, and PsycINFO. We selected three outcome variables for breastfeeding practices, namely, exclusive breastfeeding duration, breastfeeding within the first hour of life, and prelacteal feeding. We conducted meta-analyses of the included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies.ResultsFor our review, we selected 47 articles for synthesis out of 1,855 retrieved articles. In low- and middle-income countries, compared to usual care, community-based peer support increased exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months (RR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.62–2.22), at 5 months (RR: 9.55, 95% CI: 6.65–13.70) and at 6 months (RR: 3.53, 95% CI: 2.49–5.00). In high-income countries, compared to usual care, peer support increased exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months (RR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.15–5.95). In low- and middle-income countries, compared to usual care, peer support increased the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.04–2.21) and decreased the risk of prelacteal feeding (RR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.33–0.45).ConclusionsCommunity-based peer support for mothers is effective in increasing the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, particularly for infants aged 3–6 months in low- and middle-income countries. Such support also encourages mothers to initiate breastfeeding early and prevents newborn prelacteal feeding.

The presentation of allergic diseases in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was evaluated systematically through a literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases. Any comparative studies on children with ASD and allergic diseases were evaluated for eligibility followed by risk of bias assessment, data synthesis, and meta-analysis. No randomized clinical trials were identified but 10 eligible observational studies were found, all of low methodological quality. A high estimated prevalence of asthma (OR 1.69, 95 % CI 1.11 to 2.59; 2,191 ASD children) and atopic rhinitis (OR 1.66, 95 % CI 1.49 to 1.85; 1,973 ASD children) were indicated. Rates of food allergy did not show significant differences between groups. Currently, clinical evidence was not found to draw any specific clinical implication.