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Current Vitamin D Supplementation Regimens for Preterm Neonates May Not Be Sufficient Depending Upon Maternal Vitamin D Levels at Birth

Panda M, McIntosh J, Chaudhari T, Kent AL Department of Neonatology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, Woden, ACT, Australia, Department of Neonatology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, ACT, Australia Background: Vitamin D (VitD) has important health implications for calcium and bone metabolism in preterm neonates, which may be affected by maternal VitD status. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of VitD deficiency/insufficency in mothers of preterm neonates; and determine if the current level of VitD supplementation used for preterm neonates is appropriate. Methods: Prospective study of neonates less than 33 weeks gestation admitted to NICU. Maternal VitD levels obtained within 3-4 days following delivery. Neonatal VitD levels obtained in the first 3-4 days of life, at 3-4 weeks of age and at 6-8 weeks of age. Data on VitD intake from parenteral nutrition, enteral feeds and vitamin supplementation agents was collected. Results: 70 neonates were enrolled into the study. Median gestation was 29 weeks, median birth weight 1197 grams. Median maternal VitD level was 54.5 nmol/L, median neonatal Vit D level at birth was 57nmol/L. Median Vit D level at 3 weeks and 6 weeks were 63.5 nmol/L and 103 nmol/L respectively. 21/53 (39%) mothers were VitD deficient/insufficient. 25/70 (36%) neonates were VitD deficient/insufficient at birth. Of those neonates who were VitD deficient/insufficient at birth 3/25 (12%) were deficient/insufficient at 6 weeks. The median intake of VitD at 6 weeks was 826.5IU/day. Conclusions: VitD deficiency/insufficiency in mothers and their preterm neonates at birth is common. Current supplementation practice improves Vit D levels, but may not be sufficient for all neonates. Checking Vit D levels of all preterm neonates at 6 weeks should be considered.