Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Vitamin D levels and morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight preterm infants
María Paz Vera1, Aldo Bancalari1
1Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
Insights
Vitamin D deficiency is common in very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns, especially those born earlier. This deficiency is linked to increased respiratory support needs and longer hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm newborns often have insufficient nutrient levels, including vitamin D (VD).
- Vitamin D is crucial for the development and function of various physiological systems in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-VD) levels in VLBW newborns.
- To investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and common morbidities in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study included VLBW newborns (<1,500g or <32 weeks gestational age).
- Serum 25-OH-VD levels were measured via chemiluminescent immunoassay within 72 hours of birth.
- Deficiency was defined as levels ≤20 ng/ml; associations with comorbidities were analyzed at hospital discharge.
Main Results:
- The mean serum 25-OH-VD level was 19.7 ± 6.7 ng/ml in 46 VLBW infants.
- Over half (52.2%) exhibited vitamin D deficiency, with lower levels correlating with earlier gestational age (p=0.01).
- Vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased need for mechanical ventilation (p=0.04), longer hospital stay (p<0.01), and patent ductus arteriosus (p<0.01).
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in VLBW newborns, particularly those with lower gestational ages.
- A significant association exists between vitamin D deficiency and the need for respiratory support, extended hospital stays, and patent ductus arteriosus in VLBW infants.
Abstract:
Very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm newborns lack some nutrients such as vitamin D (VD), which is important in the function and development of different systems.
Objective:
To evaluate serum levels of 25-OH-VD in VLBW newborns and to describe the possible association between its deficit and frequent morbidities in this population.
Patients And Methods:
Cross-sectional study of VLBW newborns (< 1,500 g and/or < 32 weeks of gestational age). A single measurement of serum 25-OH-VD levels was performed in the first 72 hours of postnatal life (chemiluminescent immunoassay). Perinatal characteristics, treatments performed, and frequent comorbidities were analyzed. Deficiency of 25-OH-VD was defined as levels ≤ 20 ng/ml, determining a statistical association between this and various comorbidities at hospital discharge in the neonatal period.
Results:
46 preterm newborns were evaluated. The mean serum level of 25-OH-VD was 19.7 ± 6.7 ng/ml. 52.2% (24/46) presented deficient levels, with lower values observed at lower gestational age (p = 0.01). There was an association between 25-OH-VD deficiency, the need for conventional mechanical ventilation (p = 0.04), and longer hospital stay (p < 0.01). There was an association with the presence of hemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
Deficiency of 25-OH-VD was frequent in VLBW newborns, with lower levels at lower gestational age. There was an association between 25-OH-VD deficiency, hospital stay, need for respiratory support, and patent ductus arteriosus.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
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...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
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...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:30Vitamins
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...