Screening of vitamin D and calcium concentrations in neonates of mothers at high risk of vitamin D deficiency

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine, retrospectively, the serum 25OHD and calcium concentrations of screened neonates of mothers at high risk of 25OHD deficiency and examine whether their measurement contributes to the management of these neonates. Methods: Serum 25OHD and calcium concentrations from 600 samples of umbilical cord blood or venous blood collected from neonates over a 12-month period were analysed. Results: There was a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (27.6%, 30-50 nmol/L) and deficiency (21.3%, < 30 nmol/L) in neonates from high-risk maternal groups. There was a statistically positive but weak correlation (ρ = 0.22, P < 0.0001) between 25OHD and serum calcium. Only 7 neonates out of 569 (1.2%) had calcium concentrations in the hypocalcaemic range; however, a significant number (47.6%) were reported to be in the hypercalcaemic range. Nearly all of these were venous samples collected in first 24 h after birth. Conclusion:Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in neonates of high-risk mothers but the risk of hypocalcaemia due to vitamin D deficiency at birth is low. Screening neonates entails blood testing which can cause distress to neonates and their parents, substantial imposition on staff and financial burden on the health care system. Vitamin D supplementation of these neonates from birth without routine screening appears more reasonable. Also, the data from this study suggest that the paediatric reference range for corrected calcium concentrations in neonates should be re-evaluated.

Association of Serum Calcium Levels of Preterm Neonates at Birth with Calcium Intake from Foods and Supplements by Bedridden Women during Pregnancy

“…What is more, poor bone mineralization can compromise pulmonary status and growth [ 18 ]. Vitamin D (25-OH-D) deficiency is a major health problem globally and, when accompanied by poor calcium intake, is responsible for developing nutritional rickets and osteomalacia [ 32 ]. In a recent retrospective study, 48.9% of neonates born by high-risk mothers for 25-OH-D deficiency demonstrated inadequate levels of 25-OH-D [ 32 ].…”

Modern Views on the Role of Vitamin D in the Human Body

“…На сегодняшний день позиция об оптимальном и недостаточном содержании витамина D в организме человека пересмотрена. В настоящее время считается, что только при сывороточной концентрации 25 Важно подчеркнуть, что из-за крайне недостаточного пребывания на солнце и длительного пребывания в помещении вклад синтеза витамина D в коже под воздействием солнечного света значительно снижается [7][8][9]. Даже если человек гуляет в солнечную погоду, эта доза уменьшается при использовании солнцезащитного крема и одежды, а также в атмосфере городского смога или пыли.…”

“…Текущие исследования показывают, что аутизм может быть основан на генетике и предрасположенности к биохимическим нарушениям. На это состояние влияют факторы окружающей среды, которые провоцируют развитие аутизма через митохондриальную дисфункцию, нарушение иммунной регуляции, воспаление, окислительный стресс и токсичность [18,22,25].…”