Multiple properties of lactoferrin have been reported in the literature so far. Decades of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the important antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulating properties. It suggests the use of lactoferrin as an effective and safe option for the treatment of several common disorders. Herein, we show the applications of lactoferrin in clinical practice, highlighting its evidence-based capacities for the treatment of heterogeneous disorders, such as allergic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases, and hematologic, oncologic, gynecologic, dermatologic, and dental disorders. Moreover, the widespread use of lactoferrin in neonatology is summarized here. As a result of its antiviral properties, lactoferrin has also been proposed as a valid option for the treatment for COVID-19 patients. Here, the uses of lactoferrin in clinical practice as a new, safe, and evidence-based treatment for many types of disorders are summarized.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the epidemiology of respiratory viruses. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) led to a dramatic reduction in respiratory infections. However, the long-term effects on respiratory virus epidemiology remain unclear. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comparative study on hospitalized pediatric patients with respiratory illness during two seasons: 1 October 2021 to 15 March 2022 and 1 October 2022 to 15 March 2023. We compared the type of virus, mean duration of hospitalization, and disease severity. Results: In the first season, 47.1% of patients (65/138) tested positive for at least one respiratory virus, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most frequent (23.2%). In the second season, 82.9% of patients (102/123) tested positive, with RSV and Rhinovirus being the most prevalent (28.38% and 27.03%, respectively). Other viruses, such as Influenza A/B, Metapneumovirus, and Adenovirus, also showed increased prevalence. Disease severity and mean duration of hospitalization were similar between the two seasons. Conclusions: Our study highlights increased prevalence in respiratory viruses, including RSV and Rhinovirus, following the easing of NPIs. The prevalence in respiratory viruses, including RSV and Rhinovirus, increased in the second season compared to the first one. Interestingly, RSV’s peak incidence shifted from February to November. The emergence of rhinovirus as the most prevalent respiratory virus during certain months suggests viral competition and dynamic changes in viral circulation. The overall severity of respiratory infections remained relatively stable between the seasons.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the global epidemiology of other infectious respiratory diseases, leading to a significant decrease in their incidence. Hence, we aimed to characterize the epidemiology of RSV-bronchiolitis in children. Methods: children aged ≤2 years diagnosed with RSV-mediated bronchiolitis admitted to our Unit from October 2018 to December 2021, were retrospectively enrolled. Results: We included 95 patients (M/F = 46/49; mean age 7.56 ± 6.6 months). Specifically, 17 infants in 2018, 34 in 2019, 0 during 2020 lockdown, 1 during 2020 post-lockdown, and 43 in 2021. Incidence was significantly lower in 2020 compared with 2018, 2019 and 2021 (p < 0.05). No differences were found concerning need for respiratory support. Discussion: Several factors related to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, especially restrictive measures, may have contributed to a significant reduction in hospitalizations due to RSV. The new outbreak in RSV infection-related hospitalizations reported between October and December 2021 has been suggested it may be due to an increased number of susceptible individuals to RSV infection. Conclusion: The experience of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has led to a marked decrease in other viral respiratory infections, such as RSV. This may pave the way for new approaches in preventing respiratory infections, highlighting the role of preventive measures.

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder characterized by mutations in the CFTR gene, has seen significant advances in treatment through cutting-edge approaches such as gene therapy and personalized medicine. This review examines the current and emerging strategies shaping CF care, focusing on novel therapies that target the root cause of CF and optimize patient outcomes. CFTR modulators have transformed cystic fibrosis management by enhancing protein function for specific mutations, leading to improved lung function and quality of life. Concurrently, gene therapy offers transformative potential by aiming to correct CFTR mutations using tools like CRISPR/Cas9 or prime editing, though challenges remain in delivery and long-term efficacy. The integration of precision medicine, facilitated by genomic and computational technologies, allows for personalized treatment plans that account for genetic variability and disease severity. Complementing these approaches, holistic management emphasizes the importance of psychological support and nutritional optimization, acknowledging CF’s multi-system impact. Future directions include exploring anti-inflammatory agents and microbiome modulation to further mitigate disease morbidity. However, global disparities in treatment access continue to challenge equitable healthcare delivery, underscoring the need for policy reform and international cooperation. By synthesizing these developments, this review highlights the transformative potential of modern CF treatments, advocating for continued innovation and global healthcare equity, with the ultimate goal of dramatically improving life expectancy and quality of life for individuals with CF.

The 8p inverted duplication/deletion is a rare chromosomal rearrangement clinically featuring neurodevelopmental delay, mild to severe cognitive impairment, heart congenital defects and brain abnormalities. Patients affected also present typical facial dysmorphisms and skeletal malformations, and it is thought that the composite clinical picture may fall into the chromosomal rearrangement architecture. With the major aim of better framing its related clinical and diagnostic paths, we describe a patient carrying a de novo invdupde[8p] whose clinical features have not been described so far. Hence, through an extensive genotype–phenotype correlation analysis and by reviewing the dedicated scientific literature, we compared our patient’s features with those reported in other patients, which allows us to place our proband’s expressiveness in an intermediate area, widening the scope of the already known invdupde[8p] genotype–phenotype relationship.