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Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
03:19

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

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Risk factors and outcomes of vitamin D deficiency in very preterm infants

Hannah Cho1, Yoon Lee1, Saelin Oh2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Pediatrics and Neonatology
|May 20, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Very preterm infants with prolonged parenteral nutrition and low breast milk intake face higher risks of vitamin D deficiency (VDD). This study identified key risk factors for VDD in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function.
  • Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) presents a significant risk to very preterm (VP) infants.
  • Understanding VDD risk factors and outcomes in VP infants is critical for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the risk factors contributing to VDD in very preterm infants.
  • To explore the clinical outcomes associated with VDD in this population.
  • To identify specific factors that increase VDD risk in VP infants.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study of 82 VP infants in Seoul, Republic of Korea (Jan 2018 - June 2022).
  • Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels measured at 4-6 weeks of age; VDD defined as <20 ng/mL.
  • Comparison of prenatal/postnatal risk factors and clinical outcomes between VDD and non-VDD groups.

Main Results:

  • 32.9% of VP infants had VDD.
  • Prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN) duration (aOR=1.12) and lower breast milk intake (aOR=0.976) were significant risk factors for VDD.
  • VDD group showed lower calcium and higher parathyroid hormone levels; rickets severity score was higher but not significant.

Conclusions:

  • Extended PN duration is a significant risk factor for VDD in VP infants.
  • Reduced breast milk intake is associated with an increased risk of VDD in VP infants.
  • Early identification and management of VDD risk factors are essential for VP infant health.
Abstract

Keywords:
Breast milkParenteral nutritionPreterm infantVitamin D deficiency

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