title: Evaluation of preventive effects of colostrum against neonatal conjunctivitis: A randomized clinical trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neonatal conjunctivitis leads to several ocular consequences in the affected neonates such as blindness. Currently available therapeutic options include NaNO3, Gentamicin, Neomycin and so on, in which each of them has their own limitations. Regarding the immunologic content of colostrum and its safety and easy accessibility, we aimed to evaluate its preventive effects against neonatal conjunctivitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this clinical trial, conducted from November 2011 to July 2012, 300 preterm neonates, with culture negative eye swab, were enrolled and randomly assigned into three groups. The intervention group received two drops of colostrum. Control group received no treatment and other neonates were treated with topical Erythromycin ointment (0.5%). All neonates were followed for occurrence of clinical conjunctivitis for 28 days. Data analysis were performed by Chi-square test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our data demonstrate the beneficial preventive effects of Colostrum against neonatal conjunctivitis (P = 0.036).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Colostrum is suggested as an alternative prophylactic option for antibiotics against neonatal conjunctivitis. As colostrum is easily accessible without cost, potential hazards and side effects, public education about its topical favorable effects is worthwhile.
authors: Departments of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, and Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Sadigheh
authors: S
authors: Ghaemi
authors: Departments of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, and Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Parsa
authors: P
authors: Navaei
authors: Departments of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, and Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Shima
authors: S
authors: Rahimirad
authors: Departments of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, and Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Mohaddeseh
authors: M
authors: Behjati
authors: Departments of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, and Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Roya
authors: R
authors: Kelishadi
keywords: Antibiotic prophylaxis; colostrum; neonatal conjunctivitis; ophthalmia neonatorum