Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part B (2023)

Background: Recent improvements in neonatal and obstetrical healthcare have increased preterm newborns' survival rates, particularly those who were born very low in weight (VLBW). However, main pulmonary difficulties for preterm newborns include respiratory morbidity, with its accompanying comorbidities, Broncho-pulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The aim of the work is to evaluate the role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D as an indicator for risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants with RDS.
Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out on 50 preterm neonates with gestational ages lower than 32 weeks presented by respiratory distress. All new-borns were exposed to careful taking of history, physical examination and laboratory investigations (CBC, CRP, ABG, CXR and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)). Prior to the start of vitamin D treatment, blood samples (0.5 ml) from all newborns were taken during their initial 24 hours of life. Vitamin D levels were then tested using an ELISA reader instrument (RT2100C, Germany) and kept at 0 to 4 degrees Celsius. Samples were delivered to the hospital laboratories for a vitamin D level analysis.
Results: There was a significant difference as regard to BPD and vit D, death/BPD with vit d level, BPD or Death relation to Vit D level, correlation of hospital stay and Vit D level, O2 supplementation duration, age, weight, length, head circumference and PH. And insignificant difference as regard to Vit D and chest x ray, vit D level and method of O2 supplementation, Gender, mode of delivery, maternal illness, Apgar 1, Apgar 2 and Downes, Ca, P, CRP, TLC, PLT, HB, PO2, PCO2, HCO3.
Conclusions: A significant association was existed between levels of vitamin D and BDP incidence and severity in these infants after birth. As well as correlation of hospital stay and Vit D.