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Clinical Research
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Use of bovine lactoferrin in the management of chronic wounds First Author: Randall Wolcott Authors: Randall Wolcott, MD Introduction: Lactoferrin, a component of the innate immune system, present in human secretions such as tears, saliva and mucous has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. In a chronic wound model, environmental planktonic bacteria attach to human surfaces, colonize, and develop into mature multi-species biofilm. Dr. Singh and associates revealed human lactoferrin inhibits biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa(1). Human and bovine lactoferrin share similar structure and may be an important tool for management of chronic wounds. Methods: In a double blind study, 49 patients with 67 chronic wounds were randomized into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received bovine lactoferrin 20mg/cc in a hydrocolloid gel. The control group received a commercial hydrocolloid gel. Barriers to wound healing were assessed and managed concomitantly. Dressings were changed daily and wounds debrided weekly. Results: Analysis compared initial to end volume (8 weeks). Results were categorized into four groups; healed, improved (= 20% decreased volume), same (< 20% +/- change in volume) and worsened (>20% increase in volume). 94% of wounds improved or healed in the treatment group compared to 64% in the control group. Statistical analysis of results revealed a statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.015). Conclusions: Bovine lactoferrin demonstrated statistically significant improvement in healing of chronic wounds. The efficacy of bovine lactoferrin, as part of an antibacterial biofilm strategy, appears to be a powerful new tool for the management of chronic wounds. |
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