The Association of Vitamin D Status with Acute Respiratory Morbidity in Preterm Infants

Objective To assess the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and outcomes in preterm infants (< 32 weeks gestation). Study design Serum 25OHD was measured in mothers and their infants within 24 hours of birth, before the start of enteral vitamin D supplementation, and at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. We evaluated the associations between vitamin D status and various early preterm outcomes. Results Ninety-four preterm infants and their mothers were included; 92% of the infants had a 25OHD level <= 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL), and 64% had a 25OHD level < 30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL). A low 25OHD level (< 30 nmol/L) in preterm infants at birth was associated with increased oxygen requirement (P = .008), increased duration of intermittent positive-pressure ventilation during resuscitation at delivery (P = .032), and greater need for assisted ventilation (P = .013). Conclusion We observed a high prevalence of low 25OHD (< 30 nmol/L), and found an association between vitamin D status and acute respiratory morbidity in preterm infants after birth.