Overview
Neutrophil lactoferrin deficiency is a rare, inherited disorder characterized by a lack of lactoferrin in neutrophils 12. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein with antimicrobial properties that plays a role in innate immunity 12.Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically made based on laboratory findings demonstrating absent or significantly reduced lactoferrin levels in neutrophils 12.Management
Lactoferrin supplementation has been studied as a preventative measure for late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants 12.
Meta-analyses suggest that lactoferrin supplementation, with or without probiotics, may decrease the incidence of LOS in preterm infants 1.
Enteral lactoferrin supplementation has also been associated with a reduction in late-onset fungal sepsis, length of hospital stay, and urinary tract infections in preterm neonates 2.
No adverse effects were reported with lactoferrin supplementation in preterm infants 2.
There was no statistically significant decrease in necrotizing enterocolitis, mortality, or neurodevelopmental impairment in lactoferrin-supplemented preterm infants 2.Special Populations
Pediatrics: Lactoferrin supplementation has been investigated for the prevention of late-onset sepsis in preterm infants 12.Key Recommendations
Lactoferrin supplementation may reduce late-onset sepsis in preterm infants 12. (Evidence: Moderate)
Enteral lactoferrin supplementation may decrease late-onset fungal sepsis, length of hospital stay, and urinary tract infections in preterm neonates 2. (Evidence: Moderate)
Further research is needed to improve the certainty of evidence regarding lactoferrin supplementation for preventing late-onset sepsis in preterm infants 1. (Evidence: Moderate)References
1 Razak A, Hussain A. Lactoferrin Supplementation to Prevent Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis. American journal of perinatology 2021. link
2 Pammi M, Preidis GA, Tarnow-Mordi WO. Evidence from systematic reviews of randomized trials on enteral lactoferrin supplementation in preterm neonates. Biochemistry and cell biology = Biochimie et biologie cellulaire 2021. link