Severe hypovitaminosis D in pregnant refugees arriving in Europe: neonatal outcomes and importance of prenatal intervention

Abstract

Adequate vitamin D levels are particularly important in pregnant women for both the maternal and neonatal health. Prior studies have shown a significantly high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among refugees. However, no study has addressed the prevalence of VDD in pregnant refugees and its effects on neonatal health. In this study, we examined the prevalence of VDD in refugee pregnant women living in Greece and compared our results with Greek pregnant inhabitants. Vitamin D deficiency was frequent in both groups but was significantly more common in refugees (92.2% vs 67.3% of Greek women, p=0.003) with 70.6% of refugees having severe hypovitaminosis D (<10 ng/ml). As a result, most newborns had Vitamin D deficiency, which affected refugee newborns to a greater extent. Our results suggest a need to screen newcomer children and pregnant women for vitamin D deficiency in all host countries around the world. Such a screen will appropriately guide early and effective interventions with the goal to prevent adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes.

Provision of sexual and reproductive health care services for refugees in Greece in the framework of the Minimum Initial Service Package: a scoping review

“…A participant quotation reflecting this finding was: "The only time you would have a natural birth was if you came in and they didn't have time to get you to an operating room" [32]. However, Liori et al reported a lower rate of cesarean birth among refugees compared to Greek citizens [52]. Moreover, women received poor postnatal support [35,39,51].…”

“…Moreover, women received poor postnatal support [35,39,51]. Maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was significantly higher for refugees than for Greeks, which led to most of the refugee newborns being affected by VDD [52]. The quality of food was poor; pregnant and postpartum women did not get any specialized food [35,37], and it was generally difficult to access vitamins and minerals [51].…”