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The relationship between maternal vitamin D levels and osteopenia development in preterm infants: A cross-sectional

Razieh Sadat Tabatabaei1,2, Seyed Reza Mirjalili2, Atefeh Ashrafi3

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine
|January 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Maternal vitamin D levels did not significantly impact osteopenia in preterm infants. Neonatal vitamin D and calcium were lower in osteopenic infants, suggesting other factors contribute to this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • Osteopenia of prematurity (OP) is a condition characterized by reduced bone mineral content in preterm infants.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is a potential contributing factor to OP, affecting bone metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between maternal vitamin D levels and biochemical markers of osteopenia of prematurity (OP).
  • To compare maternal and neonatal vitamin D and calcium levels between osteopenic and non-osteopenic preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • An analytical cross-sectional study involving 49 pregnant women and their preterm infants.
  • Infants were classified into osteopenic and non-osteopenic groups based on serum alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus levels at birth and 4 weeks postpartum.
  • Maternal and neonatal vitamin D and calcium levels were measured and compared between groups.

Main Results:

  • 36% of mothers had vitamin D deficiency. 11 neonates developed osteopenia by 4 weeks.
  • Osteopenic neonates had significantly lower vitamin D (p=0.032) and calcium (p=0.043) levels compared to non-osteopenic infants.
  • Maternal vitamin D levels were not a significant risk factor for neonatal osteopenia (p=0.313).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal vitamin D levels do not show a significant association with the incidence of osteopenia in preterm infants.
  • Neonatal vitamin D and calcium levels are lower in osteopenic infants, indicating their importance in bone health.
  • Further research is recommended to explore alternative factors contributing to osteopenia of prematurity.
Abstract

Keywords:
Alkaline phosphatase.OsteopeniaPrematurityVitamin D

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