Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association between vitamin D levels and prematurity-related morbidities and complications in preterm infants born at ≤32 gestational weeks

Method: Newborns having a gestational age of ≤32 weeks were included in the study. Lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels (≤15 ng/mL) were detected in the study, and normal 25-OHD levels (>15 ng/mL) were in the control group. Neonatal and maternal demographic features, laboratory findigs, clinical outcomes, prematurity-related morbidities and complications were investigated for two groups.

Results: A total of 122 preterm infants were evaluated in the study. The study group consisted of 73 (60%) and the control group comprised 49 (40%) infants. The study group more frequently used antenatal steroid (p=0.046). First and fifth minute - Apgar scores were lower in the study group (p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Duration of invasive mechanical ventilation was longer in the study group (p=0.02). Late-onset sepsis (LOS) was more often detected in the study group (p=0.0001). The incidence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBD) was higher in the study group (p=0.001 and p=0.04, respectively). Conclusion: Significant relationships were found between low vitamin D levels and LOS, hsPDA and MBD. Vitamin D usage during pregnancy is important to avoid maternal and neonatal vitamin D deficiency and its consequences.