ResearcherID - CLICK HERE Scientific Journal Impact Factor (SJIF-2020) - CLICK HERE

PREVALENCE OF ASYMPTOMATIC MATERNAL AND NEWBORN CHILD VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Shafi Muhammad Wassan, Shameem Bhatti, Bakhtiar Ahmed Bhanbhro, Khalil ur Rahman Kazi, Hassaan Shaikh, Asma Rajput

Abstract: Background: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in south-east Asia, a finding that is unexpected in a tropical region with abundant sunshine. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has important implications for the newborn and infant. Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among asymptomatic healthy mothers and newborns children. Methodology: This prospective cohort was conducted upon a sample of 200 mother-child pairs full-term pregnant mothers presenting to two different tertiary care hospitals from June 2018 to December 2018. All participating mothers delivered their babies via typical vaginal delivery. Samples of maternal and cord blood were collected on the day of delivery. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were measured in the samples. 25(OH)D concentrations < 30 nmol/L were considered to be indicative of hypo-vitaminosis D. The data obtained was recorded onto a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS v.21 & Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: Among, the 200 mother-child pairs enrolled into the study, 39% of the newborns were males while the remaining 61% were females. The mean age of the mothers stood at 33 (SD ± 4). Mean maternal serum 25(OH)D was 19.4 ± 3.9 nmol/L, and cord blood 25(OH)D was 16.7 ± 2.9 nmol/L. Hypovitaminosis D was detected in 89% of the women and newborns during winter and 46% of the mothers and 35% of the newborns during summer. A positive correlation was found between maternal and cord blood 25(OH)D (p < 0.001). Conclusion: After careful consideration, it can be concluded that hypo-vitaminosis D among pregnant women and their newborns is highly prevalent and the magnitude warrants public health intervention. Key Words: Vitamin D, 25(OH)D, Hypo-Vitaminosis D, Maternal & Child Health, Rickets Sustainable Development Goals and Public Health.

FULL TEXT