Vitamin D Concentrations at Term Do Not Differ in Newborns and Their Mothers with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Studies suggest that non-pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be at elevated risk of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that 25(OH)D may also play an important role during pregnancy. Data regarding 25(OH)D deficiency during pregnancy in PCOS patients and its association with perinatal outcome is scarce. The aim of the study was to investigate whether mothers with and without PCOS have different 25(OH)D levels at term, how maternal 25(OH)D levels are reflected in their offspring, and if 25(OH)D levels are associated with an adverse perinatal outcome. Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional observational study and included 79 women with PCOS according to the ESHRE/ASRM 2003 definition and 354 women without PCOS and an ongoing pregnancy >= 37 + 0 weeks of gestation who gave birth in our institution between March 2013 and December 2015. Maternal serum and cord blood 25(OH)D levels were analyzed at the day of delivery. Maternal 25(OH)D levels did not differ significantly in women with PCOS and without PCOS (p = 0.998), nor did the 25(OH)D levels of their respective offspring (p = 0.692). 25(OH)D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was found in 26.9% and 22.5% of women with and without PCOS (p = 0.430). There was a strong positive correlation between maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D levels in both investigated groups (r >= 0.79, p < 0.001). Linear regression estimates of cord blood 25(OH)D levels are about 77% of serum 25(OH)D concentrations of the mother. Compared to healthy controls, the risk for maternal complications was increased in PCOS women (48% vs. 65%; p = 0.009), while there was no significant difference in neonatal complications (22% and 22%; p = 1.0). However, 25(OH)D levels were similar between mothers and infants with and without perinatal complications. Although the share of women and infants with 25(OH)D deficiency was high in women with PCOS and without PCOS, it seems that the incidence of adverse perinatal outcome was not affected. The long-term consequences for mothers and infants with a 25(OH)D deficiency have to be investigated in future studies.

Automated summary

The study investigated the 25(OH)D levels in pregnant women with and without PCOS, as well as the correlation between maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D levels and their association with perinatal outcomes. The results showed a positive correlation between maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D levels, with a high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in both groups but no significant impact on perinatal outcomes. Further research on the long-term consequences of 25(OH)D deficiency in mothers and infants is needed.