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Seasonal Variation in Solar Ultra Violet Radiation and Early Mortality in Extremely Preterm Infants

Ariel A Salas1, Kelly A Smith2, Mackenzie D Rodgers2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

American Journal of Perinatology
|June 4, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Higher solar ultraviolet B (UVB) doses during pregnancy may reduce early mortality in preterm infants. This suggests UVB exposure could be a factor in neonatal survival rates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal research
  • Maternal-fetal medicine
  • Environmental health

Background:

  • Vitamin D production during pregnancy is crucial for fetal lung development and infant survival post-preterm birth.
  • Human vitamin D synthesis is regulated by solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
  • Seasonal variations in UVB exposure may influence neonatal mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between solar UVB doses during fetal development and neonatal mortality rates.
  • To determine if seasonal UVB intensity variations impact infant survival after preterm birth.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study analyzed data from 2,319 infants born between 23 and 28 weeks gestation (1996-2010).
  • Infants were grouped by solar UVB dose intensity at 17 and 22 weeks gestation.
  • The primary outcome measured was mortality within the first 28 days of life.

Main Results:

  • Mortality rates differed significantly across UVB dose groups (p=0.04).
  • High-intensity solar UVB exposure was linked to a reduced risk of early mortality (Hazard Ratio: 0.70; p=0.01).
  • Mean birth weight was 830±230g with a median gestational age of 26 weeks.

Conclusions:

  • Increased solar UVB exposure during fetal development appears to reduce the risk of early mortality in preterm infants.
  • These findings suggest a potential protective role of UVB during critical fetal development periods.
  • Further prospective studies are recommended to confirm these preliminary results.
Abstract

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