Evaluation of Serum Vitamin D Level in Full-Term Neonates with Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy

Abstract

Background Vitamin D has a role in minimizing the extent of neuronal cell injury and death in neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Aim To assess the serum level of vitamin D in full-term babies with HIE. Patients and methods This case–control study was conducted on 40 full-term neonates. Cases were grouped into two groups: group A: 30 full-term neonates diagnosed as HIE; clinical diagnosis was based on Sarnat staging. Group B: 10 healthy full-term neonates. Patients in group A were further subdivided into three equal groups: group A1: grade I HIE, group A2: grade II HIE, and group A3: grade III HIE. Results The following investigations were done for groups A and B: Apgar score after 1 and 5 min, convulsions, metabolic acidosis need for respiratory support, blood urea, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein level, serum calcium levels, and 25(OH) vitamin D measurements at 12 and 72 h postnatal. Apgar score, pH, total and ionized calcium, and 25(OH)-D were significantly reduced in HIE (specially grade III), while blood urea, serum creatinine, and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in HIE neonates (grade III). Conclusion We could assume that the more severe the grade of HIE, the worse are the laboratory findings.