Do Maternal Vitamin D Levels Influence Vitamin D Levels in Preterm Neonates?
International Journal of Pediatrics. Vol 2019, 7 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8613414
M. Panda,1 J. McIntosh,2 T. Chaudhari,1,3 tejasvi.chaudhari at act.gov.au and A. L. Kent1,3
1 Dept of Neonatology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, Woden, ACT, Australia
2 Dept of Neonatology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
3 Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Premature infants need 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D
- Preterm birth rates increased in 15 European countries – Oct 2013
- Neonate loading dose of 30,000 IU vitamin D helped a lot – May 2014
- Single dose of Vitamin D after birth works as well or perhaps better
Pre-terms start low, but recover in 6-8 weeks of 800 IU daily vitamin D
Objective. To determine the prevalence of Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency/insufficiency in mothers of preterm neonates less than or equal to 32 weeks of gestation and determine if the current level of VitD supplementation used for preterm neonates is appropriate.
Design. Prospective study from May 2015 to November 2016. Setting. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Canberra Hospital. Patients. Mothers and their preterm neonates born less than or equal to 32 weeks gestation. Interventions. Maternal VitD levels were obtained within 3-4 days following delivery. Neonatal VitD levels were obtained in the first 3-4 days of life, at 3-4 weeks of age, and at 6-8 weeks of age. Demographic data and data on VitD intake from parenteral nutrition, enteral feeds, and vitamin supplementation agents were collected.
Results. 70 neonates were enrolled into the study. Median gestation was 29 (27-30) weeks and median birth weight 1197 (971.2-1512.5) grams. Median maternal VitD level was 54.5 (36-70.7) nmol/L, median neonatal Vit D level at birth was 57 (42-70) nmol/L. Median Vit D level at 3 weeks and 6 weeks were 63.5 nmol/L (53-80.2) nmol/L and 103 (71.5-144) nmol/L respectively. 22/55 (40%) mothers were VitD deficient/insufficient. 25/70 (36%) neonates were VitD deficient/insufficient at birth. Of those neonates who were VitD deficient/insufficient at birth 5/25(10%) were deficient/insufficient at 6 weeks. The median intake of VitD at 6 weeks was 826.5 (577.5-939.5) IU/day.
Conclusions. VitD deficiency/insufficiency in mothers of preterm neonates and in preterm neonates at birth is common. Routine screening of maternal VitD and their preterm neonates along with individualized supplementation regimens in mothers and preterm infants may optimize VitD status and reduce risk of ongoing VitD deficiency/insufficiency.
Download the PDF from Vitamin D Life which mentions the 800 IU