Effect of Enteral Bovine Lactoferrin on Neurobehavioral Performance of Preterm Infants.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2 Specialized Medical Boards, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Preterm neonates benefit from the anti-infective properties and the ability to enhance cognitive development of breast milk. Breast milk contains a glycoprotein called lactoferrin which possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Lactoferrin contains two molecules of sialic acid and iron, which are essential for the infant's early neurodevelopment and cognitive function. Aim of the work: To study the effect of enteral administration of bovine lactoferrin on the neurobehavioral performance of preterm neonates at 36 weeks corrected gestational age. Patients and methods: This double-blinded randomized controlled study was conducted on 80 preterm neonates admitted to NICUs, Ain Shams University hospitals, over a period of 6 months. On starting trophic feeding, neonates were randomized, to either receive enteral bovine lactoferrin (Lactoferrin group) or placebo (Control group), for a minimum of 2 weeks or till 36 weeks corrected gestational age whatever comes later. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) was conducted at 36 weeks corrected gestational age, Results: At 36 weeks of corrected gestational age, there was no statistically significant difference in the neurobehavioral performance between lactoferrin group and control group. Lactoferrin group had significantly shorter duration of respiratory support than control group (mean ± SD 4.70 ± 1.80 vs. 7.10 ± 2.13 days respectively), shorter duration to reach full volume of enteral feeding ( mean ±SD: 7.15 ± 1.88 versus 8.38 ± 1.66 days respectively, P:0.003) and shorter duration of septic episode ( mean±SD 4.50 ± 0.97 versus6.62 ± 1.19 days respectively, P<0.001). Conclusion: Bovine lactoferrin did not affect the neurobehavioral performance of preterm neonates at 36 weeks corrected gestational age. Intake for longer duration, follow up for longer time should be furtherly studied.

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