Low Vitamin D Levels at Birth and Early Respiratory Outcome in Infants With Gestational Age Less Than 29 Weeks

Background: Vitamin D (VitD) is involved in lung development but its influence on respiratory distress syndrome of extremely preterm (EPT) infants have been little investigated. In this study, we examined the influence of low vitamin D status at birth on early respiratory outcomes of this vulnerable infant population.

Methods: Cord blood 25(OH)D levels ≤ 75 nmol/L were considered as Low vitamin D levels. Stepwise logistic regression and classification regression-tree analyses were used and the primary outcome was the combined outcome of death or mechanical ventilation need by the end of the first week (death or MV DoL7) as a marker od RDS severity.

Results: The mean (SD) GA and birth weight were 26 (1.4) weeks and 801 (212) gr, respectively; 81/109 (74%) infants had low 25(OH)D levels. Infants with low VitD levels had 25% higher initial FiO levels ( < 0.05) and were more likely to be mechanically ventilated on DoL7 (36 vs. 7%, < 0.05). Adjusted for gestational age, they had 10-fold higher odds of death or MV DoL7 ( < 0.01). By regression tree analysis, the rate of death or MV DoL7 increased from 18 to 71% in infants with GA < 26 weeks and with cord blood 25(OH)D levels higher and lower than 74 nmol/L, respectively ( < 0.05).

Conclusion: Low vitamin D levels at birth are associated with early adverse respiratory outcomes in infants with GA less 29 weeks. Further largest studies are needed to confirm this association.