Serum Vitamin D Levels in Neonates and Their Mothers at Birth: A Comparative Analysis Highlighting Need for Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Objective: Objective: The study was conducted to examine serum vitamin D levels in preterm and full-term neonates and their mothers at birth to explore potential associations.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the Pediatrics and Obstetrics departments of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from May 2022 to Nov 2022. After taking institutional approvals, 198 healthy pre-term and full-term neonates and their mothers were enrolled in the study. A structured proforma comprising demographic data was filled and samples of blood were obtained from the mothers at birth and the neonates within 72 hours of birth. Serum levels of Vitamin D were determined by ELISA and based on these levels the subjects were classified as sufficient, insufficient, or deficient.

Results: Of 198 infants studied, 77.8% were full-term and 22.2% were preterm. Males comprised 57.1% of the sample. A majority, 74.2% came from poor socioeconomic backgrounds, with 62.6% of mothers being uneducated. Both preterm and full-term infants predominantly exhibited vitamin D deficiency. Among 44 mothers of preterm and 154 mothers of full-term infants, vitamin D levels differed significantly (p=0.003). However, in both groups, there was a higher prevalence of mothers with insufficient vitamin D levels compared to those with adequate levels. Significant associations (p=0.001 and 0.003) suggest maternal vitamin D levels may influence neonatal vitamin D status and risk of preterm labour.

Conclusion: A notable proportion of mothers exhibited deficient levels of vitamin D, and correspondingly, their neonates also displayed deficient levels. A potential correlation between maternal Vitamin D status and the occurrence of preterm labour was also observed.

Keywords: Mother, Neonate, Pediatrics, Vitamin D.