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A Controlled Mouse Model for Neonatal Polymicrobial Sepsis
Published on: January 27, 2019
Lactoferrin for prevention of neonatal sepsis
Christie G Turin1, Alonso Zea-Vera, Alonso Pezo
1Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Alexander von Humboldt", Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porras, Lima 31, Peru.
Insights
Lactoferrin (LF) shows promise in preventing infections in preterm infants. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating its potential to reduce neonatal sepsis and long-term disabilities.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Preterm neonates face significant risks of infection, including sepsis, leading to high mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental impairments.
- Existing interventions to prevent neonatal infections have shown limited efficacy.
- Lactoferrin (LF), a milk glycoprotein, possesses anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties, suggesting its potential as a prophylactic agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and ongoing clinical trials investigating the efficacy of lactoferrin (LF) for the prevention of neonatal sepsis.
- To assess the potential role of LF as a preventative measure against infections in preterm neonates.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of registered clinical trials involving LF for neonatal sepsis prevention was conducted.
- Eleven clinical trials, encompassing over 6,000 subjects, were identified.
Main Results:
- Preliminary results from small sample sizes indicate a trend towards a protective effect of LF against neonatal infections.
- Larger ongoing trials are expected to provide more definitive evidence.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin (LF) demonstrates potential as a preventative intervention for neonatal infections.
- Further research and larger trials are necessary to confirm LF's efficacy and establish its role in clinical settings for low birth weight neonates.
Abstract:
Preterm neonates are at risk to acquire infections. In addition to the high mortality associated with sepsis, these patients are at risk for long-term disabilities, particularly neurodevelopment impairment. Several interventions have been evaluated to reduce rates of infections in neonates but have not proven efficacy. Lactoferrin (LF), a milk glycoprotein with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-microbial properties, has the potential to prevent infections in young children. We performed a review of current and ongoing clinical trials of LF for prevention of neonatal sepsis, and found eleven registered clinical trials that include more than 6,000 subjects. Few of these trials have finished; despite their small sample size, the preliminary results show a trend towards a positive protective effect of LF on neonatal infections. Larger trials are underway to confirm the findings of these initial studies. This information will help to define LF's role in clinical settings and, if proven effective, would profoundly affect the treatment of low birth weight neonates as a cost-effective intervention worldwide.
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