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Race differences in the association between multivitamin exposure and wheezing in preterm infants

A M Hibbs1, D C Babineau2, X Wang3

  • 11] Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA [2] Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|October 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D from multivitamins showed differing effects on recurrent wheezing in preterm infants based on race. Black infants had increased risk, while non-black infants had decreased risk, highlighting population heterogeneity.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal health
  • Nutritional epidemiology
  • Pediatric respiratory health

Background:

  • Preterm infants are at higher risk for respiratory issues like recurrent wheezing.
  • Vitamin D is crucial for immune function, but its role in preventing infant wheezing is not fully understood.
  • Multivitamin use is a proxy for vitamin D exposure in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between vitamin D exposure, estimated by multivitamin use, and recurrent wheezing in preterm infants.
  • To explore potential racial differences in this association.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 300 preterm infants (28 0/7 to 34 6/7 weeks gestational age).
  • Follow-up assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months adjusted age.
  • Statistical analysis using adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and interaction by race.

Main Results:

  • Recurrent wheezing was observed in 55.9% of Black infants and 36.6% of non-Black infants.
  • Multivitamin use at 3 months was associated with increased recurrent wheezing in Black infants (OR=2.15) and decreased wheezing in non-Black infants (OR=0.43).
  • Significant interaction by race (P=0.003) and consistent findings in lag-effect models.

Conclusions:

  • The association between multivitamin use and recurrent wheezing in preterm infants differs significantly by race.
  • Population heterogeneity, particularly race, must be considered when evaluating the impact of vitamin supplementation in infants.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these race-specific effects.
Abstract

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