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The Association of Vitamin D Status with Acute Respiratory Morbidity in Preterm Infants

Chike Onwuneme1, Fidelma Martin2, Roberta McCarthy2

  • 1Department of Neonatology, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Endocrinology, Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|April 29, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Low vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25OHD) are common in preterm infants. This deficiency is linked to increased respiratory issues, highlighting the importance of vitamin D status in neonatal care.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation) are at high risk for various health complications.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is a growing concern in neonatal populations.
  • Early assessment of vitamin D status is crucial for managing preterm infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and adverse outcomes in preterm infants.
  • To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Serum 25OHD levels were measured in mothers and preterm infants within 24 hours of birth.
  • Measurements were taken before enteral vitamin D supplementation and at NICU discharge.
  • Associations between vitamin D status and early preterm outcomes were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of low 25OHD was observed: 92% of infants had levels ≤50 nmol/L, and 64% had levels <30 nmol/L.
  • Low infant 25OHD (<30 nmol/L) at birth correlated with increased oxygen requirements (P=.008).
  • Low vitamin D was also associated with longer intermittent positive-pressure ventilation during resuscitation (P=.032) and greater need for assisted ventilation (P=.013).

Conclusions:

  • There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in preterm infants.
  • Vitamin D status is significantly associated with acute respiratory morbidity in the early postnatal period for preterm infants.
Abstract

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