Abstract
Background and Object: Vitamin D plays an important role in skeletal health. We previously reported a high prevalence (about 80%) of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) insufficiency in preterm VLBW infants. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of inpatient fractures noted in this population and any association with vitamin D levels.
Methods: Convalescent, stable VLBW (birth weight < =1.5kg) preterm (gestation < =32 weeks) infants, admitted to a tertiary referral NICU had serum 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (25-OH-D) measured using radio-immunoassay, prior to starting oral vitamin D supplements. All Xrays performed during inpatient stay were evaluated for the presence of fractures.
Results: 137 VLBW infants had 25-OH-D performed and all their Xrays reviewed. Their mean (+/-;Standard deviation) gestation was 29.6+/-;2.5 weeks, birth weight 1.3+/-;0.4kg and vitamin D levels were 40.7+/-;11.6nmol/l. 4 (2.9%) infants had fractures : 3 had long bone fractures and 1 had rib fractures. Their mean vitamin D levels were 34.6+/-; 10.9 nmol/l.
Conclusions: We have demonstrated that 80% of preterm VLBW infants have insufficient 25-OH-D levels during early postnatal life; but 25% remain insufficient at follow-up assessment. Four infants had fractures and all had decreased Vitamin D levels < 50nmol/l.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
McGann, M., Mccarthy, R., Uduma, O. et al. 390 Do Fractures Correlate with Vitamin D Levels in Preterm Infants?. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 201 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00390
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00390