Immunomodulation, Part I: Pentoxifylline

SEPSIS CONTINUES TO BE A significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In a recent study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network, 21 percent of very low birth weight neonates older than three days of age had one or more episodes of proven bloodstream sepsis (range for the 15 network centers: 11–32 percent). The study’s authors assert that strategies to decrease the incidence of nosocomial infection and the related social and economic impact are urgently needed.¹ Researchers have been exploring various modalities, including immunomodulation, as adjuncts to antibiotics to enhance the neonatal immune system. Generally, immunomodulators act to stimulate or augment the immune system indirectly.