Lactoferrin and Its Role in Neonatology: A Review Article

Abstract

Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein, which is present in milk of mammals. It has been proven to plays a very important role in innate immune host defences. It is well known that Neonatal sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the new-born, especially in VLBW (1500 grams at birth) infants. The ill effects of sepsis and NEC persist in spite of appropriate and effective antibiotic therapy and have been associated with poor long term outcome. In the few recent trials which have been conducted around the globe, in field of neonatology, role of LF in prevention of neonatal sepsis and NEC has been strengthened. Furthermore many trials are underway and only future may provide a definite answer of LF role in sepsis and NEC. This review article has been written to through some light on the recent work that has already been done, to strengthen the role of LF in neonatal sepsis and the work that is still under process.