Comparison of vitamin D levels between mothers and infants with and without prolonged membrane rupture

Abstract

Background: Premature rupture of membranes is one of the known causes of preterm labor and accounts for approximately one-third of cases. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in preterm labor, as well.Objective: The present study aimed to compare vitamin D levels in mothers and infants with and without prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM).Materials Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 241 babies with and without a history of rupture of membranes in mothers, in the neonatal ward of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad from 2019 to 2021 with available sampling method. After the confirmation of prolonged rupture of membranes (more than 18 hours before birth) based on history and examination with a speculum, we completed data collection tool, a checklist including laboratory evaluation and neonatal and maternal characteristics. The condition of the neonates with and without prolonged rupture of membranes was compared. Data were analyzed by T-test and Chi-square.Results: We examined a total of 241 neonates including 148 (61.4%) without prolonged rupture of the membranes in mothers and 93 (38.6%) with PROM. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups, maternal vitamin D level (P = 0.001), neonatal vitamin D level (P = 0.001), and fifth minute Apgar score (P = 0.003). This means that the values of these variables were lower in the group of neonates with PROM.Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency in mothers has been significantly associated with prolonged rupture of membranes and with increasing severity of vitamin deficiency, the probability of PROM increases and therefore rises the likelihood of preterm labor and its complications.