Monitoring vitamin D levels within 24 hours of birth may prevent respiratory distress syndrome in infants

South Korea: A systematic review and meta-analysis published in PLoS One has shed light on the association between vitamin D level and respiratory distress syndrome. 

The research revealed that monitoring of neonatal vitamin D levels or the maintenance of adequate levels within 24 hours of birth may reduce the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) risk. 

Explaining the study background, the lead researcher mentioned that there is growing evidence regarding association between the vitamin D levels and respiratory outcomes of preterm infants. The main purpose of our study was to explore whether there is an increased risk of RDS among premature neonates who have vitamin D deficiency.

The team researched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up through July 20, 2021, using words like 'premature infant', 'vitamin D', and 'respiratory distress syndrome'.

They found 121 studies to be potentially relevant. Out of these, inclusion criteria were met by 15 studies, including 12 cohort studies and 3 case-control studies. The studies had 2,051 preterm infants.

They said, “We found significant associations between RDS development and vitamin D deficiency within 24 h of birth. This was based on various criteria. The OR for vitamin D levels < 30 ng/mL, <20 ng/mL,< 15 ng/mL and <10 ng/ml was 3.478; 4.549; 17.267; and 1.732 respectively.

SMD for lower levels of vitamin D was -0.656.

Concluding further, they said, “Though deficiency of vitamin D definitions varied and different methods were used to measure vitamin D levels, there was always an association between vitamin D deficiency within 24 h of birth with RDS development. “

The study highlighted an important consideration that monitoring neonatal vitamin D levels and maintaining adequate levels reduce RDS risk.

Reference:

Kim, Yoo Jinie, et al. "Association Between Vitamin D Level and Respiratory Distress Syndrome: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." PloS One, vol. 18, no. 1, 2023, pp. e0279064.