Abstract
Purpose :
Lactoferrin (LF), a multifunctional glycoprotein found in mammalian milk, is reported to have immunoregulatory effects. The present study aimed to evaluate whether enteric-coated LF (eLF) can improve conjunctivitis in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC).
Methods :
This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled single-centre trial comprised Japanese patients (n = 20; aged 22–60 years) with AKC. Patients were administered eLF (400 mg/d bovine LF) or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Conjunctival injection examined using slit-lamp photography and graded by three blinded allergy specialist ophthalmologists (worse +1, no change 0, or improved -1). Serum allergic parameters and skin conditions were also assessed.
Results :
There was a significant reduction in conjunctival injection in the eLF group (-3.0) compared with the placebo control group (+4.0; Mann-Whitney U-test; p=0.0017), and papillae formation in the palpebral conjunctiva (p=0.01, Wilcoxon rank sum test). There were no adverse effects of eLF treatment regarding serum allergic parameters and patient skin condition.
Conclusions :
eLF seems a promising agent for the control of AKC.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.