Vitamin D and Metabolic Bone Parameters in Preterm Neonates

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Preterm infants are at risk for vitamin D deficiency.
• Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis.
• Monitoring vitamin D status is important for bone health in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in preterm neonates.
• To correlate 25(OH)D levels with serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase.
• To assess the relationship between vitamin D status and markers of bone metabolism in this population.

Main Methods:

• Serum 25(OH)D was measured in 79 preterm neonates (gestational age ≤32 weeks).
• Correlations were performed with serum ionized calcium at 48-72 hours.
• Correlations were also performed with serum phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase at 2-3 weeks of age.

Main Results:

• The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 14.8 (7.0) ng/mL, indicating deficiency.
• A weak positive correlation was observed between 25(OH)D and serum calcium (r=0.299).
• A weak positive correlation was found between 25(OH)D and serum phosphorus (r=0.186).
• A significant negative correlation was found between 25(OH)D and alkaline phosphatase (r=-0.523).

Conclusions:

• Preterm neonates exhibit low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.
• Low vitamin D levels are associated with altered mineral metabolism and bone turnover markers.
• Further investigation and intervention strategies for vitamin D deficiency in preterm infants are warranted.