Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025
13:13
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
14.2K
Vitamin D Deficiency Prevalence in Late Neonatal Hypocalcemia: A Multicenter Study
Gülcan Seymen-Karabulut1, Ayla Günlemez2, Ayşe Sevim Gökalp2
1University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in late neonatal hypocalcemia (LNH). Supplementing pregnant women with vitamin D is recommended, and assessing vitamin D status is crucial for diagnosing LNH in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Late neonatal hypocalcemia (LNH) is a frequent metabolic issue in newborns.
- LNH is often linked to hypoparathyroidism, elevated phosphate intake, and vitamin D deficiency.
- Seizures are a common presentation of LNH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of vitamin D deficiency in LNH within Turkey.
- To characterize the clinical and biochemical profiles of newborns diagnosed with LNH.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 96 term neonates with LNH and 93 mothers across 61 neonatal centers.
- Serum samples analyzed for calcium, phosphate, magnesium, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D].
- Data collected via the FAVOR Web Registry System between December 2015 and December 2016.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/mL) observed in both neonates (86.5%) and mothers (93%).
- Strong correlation found between infant and maternal serum 25(OH)D levels (p<0.001).
- Most neonates (54.2%) exhibited low or inappropriately normal iPTH levels, despite normal/high phosphorus in 93.7%.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is a significant factor in LNH.
- Antenatal vitamin D supplementation should be promoted to prevent LNH.
- Routine assessment of vitamin D status is recommended for neonates with LNH.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
6.7K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
6.7K
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
68
Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
68
01:30Vitamins
1.6K
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced...
1.6K
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
49
Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
49
01:07Teratogenicity
3.4K
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
3.4K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
4.2K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
4.2K