Sir.—I would like to comment on the article "Critical Weight Loss and Malnutrition in Breast-fed Infants: Four Case Reports" by Dr Roddey and colleagues in the Journal (1981;135:597-599) and the marginal comment "Successful Breast-feeding" by Dr Lawrence (Journal 1981;135:595-596).
Until recently, I practiced pediatrics in Charlotte, NC, and was privileged to observe Dr Roddey and associates throughout their years of practice. They are excellent practitioners of pediatrics. They keep well abreast of current pediatric advances and maintain a high level of competence in their practice, which is equal to that of most teaching institutions.
In reading the marginal comment by Dr Lawrence, one gets the impression that she is trying to tell us that Dr Roddey and colleagues did not provide enough information for proper evaluation. Unlike our teaching colleagues, the average practitioner does not have time to wade through all of the superbly collected negative observations and tests.