Impact of Maternal and Neonatal Vitamin D Status on the Development of Congenital Anomalies in Egyptian Model

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is a significant issue during pregnancy. During embryogenesis, VD is essential for cellular growth and differentiation. VD deficiency during pregnancy is linked to a number of maternal and neonatal complications. AIM: The purpose of this study was to look into the possible link between maternal and neonatal VD status and the development of congenital anomalies (CAs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A casecontrol study with 30 mothers and their neonates born with gross structural CAs as cases and 30 mothers and their healthy neonates as controls from Ain Shams University Children Hospital. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]VD) levels were determined using maternal and neonatal blood samples. The 25(OH) VD concentration was divided into four categories: severe deficiency (<10 ng/ml), deficiency (<20 ng/ml), insufficient (20–29 ng/ml), and sufficient >30 ng/ml. Above 150ng/ml, there is a high risk of toxicity. RESULTS: Within 29 days postpartum, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in maternal and neonatal VD serum levels. The mean maternal VD level was 23.8 ng/ml in cases versus 42.13 ng/ml in controls (p = 0.000). The mean neonatal VD level in cases was 15.97 ng/ml, compared to 28.9 ng/ml in controls (p = 0.000). Both maternal and neonatal VD levels were found to have a significant positive correlation with birth weight. CONCLUSION: A low level of VD in the mother is linked to an increased risk of CAs in the offspring. As a result, improving the periconceptional maternal VD status is advised.