Efficacy of Lactoferrin in Prevention of Premature Rupture of Membrane

Abstract

Background: Prematurity is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, complicating up to 10% of all pregnancies. Mortality and morbidities, including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis, are inversely associated with gestational age at birth.
Objective: This study aimed to decrease the morbidities and mortalities resulting from premature rupture of membrane (PROM).
Patients and Methods: This was a cohort study, which was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups; Group A: 24 patients received 100 mg of recombinant human lactoferrin (RHLF) twice a day before meals. Group B: 24 patients received placebo medicine. All patients were subjected to detailed history taking, general examination. Obstetric transvaginal ultrasound had been performed to evaluate cervical length and funneling.
Results: Mode of delivery in group (A) in 14 women (58.3%) was normal vaginal delivery (NVD) and in 10 (41.7%) was cesarean section (CS) while in group (B) 11 women (45.8%) was NVD and in 13 (54.2%) was CS. There was no statistically significant difference between groups where P=0.564. Lactoferrin had sensitivity of 62.5 with specificity 56.2 and positive and negative predictive value of 41.7 and 75 respectively, while the area under curve was 0.594 with p value of 0.222.
Conclusion: Supplementation with lactoferrin may be an option to reduce the risk of premature rupture of membrane.