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Relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and retinopathy of prematurity
Emrah Utku Kabataş1, Nurdan Fettah Dinlen2, Ayşegül Zenciroğlu3
11 MD, Department of Ophtalmology, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Research and Training Hospital, Turkey.
Insights
Low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels are linked to retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants. Lower levels were associated with increased risk and need for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Vitamin D plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including immune function and vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels and the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To determine if 25 (OH) D levels correlate with the need for ROP treatment.
Main Methods:
- Serum 25 (OH) D levels were measured in 97 very low birth weight infants before vitamin D supplementation.
- Infants were monitored for the development of ROP and the requirement for treatment.
Main Results:
- ROP developed in 73.2% of the infants.
- Significantly lower serum 25 (OH) D levels were observed in infants with ROP compared to those without (P < 0.001).
- Infants requiring ROP treatment had lower 25 (OH) D levels (7.1 ± 5.2 ng/ml) than those not requiring treatment (11.9 ± 6.5 ng/ml; P = 0.003).
- Multivariate analysis indicated lower serum 25 (OH) D as a risk factor for ROP development (OR: 1.14, 95% CI [1.02-1.27], P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
- Lower serum 25 (OH) D levels in early life may be associated with ROP development in premature infants.
- These findings suggest a potential link between vitamin D status and ROP, impacting the need for treatment.
Abstract:
Aim To evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, 25 (OH) D, levels and retinopathy of prematurity. Methods and Results Serum 25 (OH) D levels were measured in 97 very low birth weight infants, prior to vitamin D supplementation. The development of retinopathy of prematurity and its treatment requirement were evaluated. At follow-up, retinopathy of prematurity developed in 71 (73.2%) infants. Serum 25 (OH) D levels were significantly lower in infants with retinopathy of prematurity than ones without retinopathy of prematurity ( P < 0.001). The infants who required treatment had lower 25 (OH) D levels compared with the infants who did not required treatment (7.1 ± 5.2 ng/ml vs. 11.9 ± 6.5 ng/ml; P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that lower serum 25 (OH) D levels may be a risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity development [OR: 1.14, 95% CI (1.02-1.27), P = 0.02]. Conclusion Lower 25 (OH) D levels in the first days of life may be related to retinopathy of prematurity development and treatment requirement in premature infants.
