Milk protein may shield preemie lungs from ventilator infection

NCT ID NCT07255742

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Dalia Mohamed Salah Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether giving lactoferrin, a protein found in milk, to preterm babies on breathing machines could prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Fifty premature newborns received either lactoferrin plus standard care or standard care alone. The goal was to see if the supplement reduced infections, shortened time on the ventilator, and cut hospital stays.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: lactoferrin (a dietary supplement)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to prevent a serious lung infection in premature babies on ventilators.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 50 babies, so results may not apply to all newborns. Lactoferrin might not reduce pneumonia risk and could cause digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

VENTILATOR ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Tanta University Children's Hospital

Tanta, Egypt

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