Use of lactoferrin in the newborn: where do we stand?

Abstract

Sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) cause significant morbidity and mortality in the newborn. Their ill effects persist in spite of appropriate and effective antibiotic therapy. Lactoferrin as an adjunct to antibiotics in the treatment of sepsis or NEC in the newborn may improve the clinical outcomes by enhancing the host defense and modulating the inflammatory response. This review focuses on the various aspects of lactoferrin use in the newborn.

Keywords: Anti-bacterial; anti-fungal; anti-viral; fungal sepsis; immunomodulation; lactoferrin; necrotizing enterocolitis; neonatal sepsis.