Maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and the occurrence of neural tube defects in Tunisia.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2016 May 4. pii: S0020-7292(16)30110-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2016.01.014. [Epub ahead of print]
Nasri K1, Ben Fradj MK2, Feki M2, Kaabechi N2, Sahraoui M3, Masmoudi A3, Marrakchi R4, Gaigi SS3.
NTD women
78% deficient (typically < 20 ng)
22% insufficient (typically 20-30 ng)
See also Vitamin D Life
1Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Zarzouna, Bizerte, Tunisia; UR06/SP14 Disorders of Embryo-Fetal and Placental Development, Service of Embryo-Fetopathology, Center for Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia. Electronic address: nasrikaouther512 at gmail.com.
2UR05/08-08, LR99ES11, Department of Biochemistry, Rabta Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Jebbari, Tunis, Tunisia.
3UR06/SP14 Disorders of Embryo-Fetal and Placental Development, Service of Embryo-Fetopathology, Center for Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.
4Laboratory of Human Genetics, Immunology and Pathology, Faculty of Sciences, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether low vitamin D levels in pregnant women are associated with the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in Tunisia.
METHODS:
In a prospective study, pregnant women were recruited at a center in Tunis between January 1, 2012, and December 30, 2013. Women carrying a fetus with a severe NTD were recruited before elective termination. Matched, healthy pregnancy women were enrolled into a control group. Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured by a competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay.
RESULTS:
Overall, 68 women formed the NTD group and 64 the control group. The mean maternal vitamin D level was significantly lower in the NTD group (20.65±10.25nmol/L) than in the control group (28.30±13.82nmol/L; P<0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was recorded for 53 (78%) women in the NTD group and 39 (61%) in the control group. Vitamin D insufficiency was recorded for 15 (22%) women in the NTD group and 20 (31%) in the control group.
Vitamin D sufficiency was found only in the control group (n=5 [8%]; P<0.001).
CONCLUSION:
The findings confirm an association between a decreased vitamin D level in pregnant women and the risk of fetal NTDs.
Copyright © 2016 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
PMID: 27198744