Title:Evaluation of Maternal and Infantile Levels of Vitamin D in Preterm Infants
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Author(s): Hassan Boskabadi, Ali Moradi and Maryam Zakerihamidi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Midwifery, School of Medical
Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
Keywords:
Premature infants, vitamin D, gestational age, vitamin D deficiency, pregnancy, preterm labor and infants.
Abstract: Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent during pregnancy and in premature
infants. This study was done to investigate the maternal and infantile levels of vitamin D in
preterm infants.
Methods: Using available sampling during 2018-2020, the maternal and umbilical cord serum levels
of vitamin D were measured in 294 premature infants in Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. A researcher-
made questionnaire consisting of neonatal demographic and clinical characteristics was
used as the data collection tool. Both maternal and placental vitamin D levels were categorized into
four classes: severe deficiency (vitamin D<10 ng/ml), moderate deficiency (10.1≤vitamin D≤20
ng/ml), mild deficiency (20.1≤vitamin D≤30 ng/ml) and normal (vitamin D >30.1ng ml).
Results: Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 89% of premature infants (46.6% severe, 30.6% moderate,
and 11.9% mild). Serum levels of vitamin D were 18.28±13.94 ng/ml and 14.10±9.70 ng/ml in
mothers and infants, respectively. The infants below and above 32 weeks exhibited vitamin D values
of 10.97±6.31 ng/ml and 18.05±11.64 ng/ml, respectively. The difference in vitamin D levels
between boys (12.59±8.40 ng/ml) and girls (16.05±11.45 ng/ml) was found to be significant
(P=0.009). Moderate and severe vitamin D deficiency was more common at earlier pregnancy ages
(P=0.001).
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is more common and severe in preterm infants and their
mothers. Controlling vitamin D levels during pregnancy, especially in women at risk of preterm labor
and preterm infants, may help reduce prematurity problems.
