Levels Of 25-hydroxyvitamin Research Articles

Correlation between vitamin D intake with level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D serum maternal

Vitamin D deficiency is a health problem that is of concern at this time. During pregnancy, vitamin D is associated with fetal growth and development, wherein the 25(OH)D level of the fetus is completely dependent on the mother's supply. This study aims to examine the relationship between vitamin D intake and maternal serum 25(OH)D levels. This research uses a cross-sectional design. Data collection was carried out in samples at Hermina Hospital, BMC and Army Hospital in June-December 2022. The sampling technique used consecutive sampling, totaling 40 term pregnant women. Data collection was carried out by taking maternal blood. Data on vitamin D intake were obtained from interviews using the FFQ questionnaire. Maternal serum was examined using the ELISA method at the Unand Biomedical Laboratory. The test used is Pearson correlation The results showed that the mean intake of vitamin D and levels of 25(OH)D in maternal serum were 16.54 ± 2.99 mcg, 14.74 ± 4.93 ng/ml. The relationship between vitamin D intake and maternal serum 25(OH)D levels with a value of r=0.379 was significantly ρ=0.016. The conclusion of this study was that the correlation between vitamin D intake and maternal serum 25(OH)D levels was significantly correlated

The relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and vitamin D

Aim: Vitamin D (vitD) is primarily responsible for bone formation and mineralization. However, in recent years, it has been suggested that vitD may play a role as an immune modulator in the development of numerous diseases, including autoimmune diseases. It has been observed that there is an association between chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and vitD levels. This study aims to investigate whether there are differences in the levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, and phosphorus in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) due to AIT, in patients with antibody-negative subclinical hypothyroidism (ANSCH), and in healthy control subjects. Material and Method: Data from 50 newly diagnosed patients with SCH (35 of whom AIT) and 50 euthyroid and antibody-negative healthy controls who presented to the Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at our hospital between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Calcium, phosphorus, and 25(OH)D levels of patients and controls were compared. Results: Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (16.2±7.8 ng/ml and 20.4±8.2 ng/ml, respectively; p=0.024). Serum levels of calcium (p=0.081) and phosphorus (p=0.712) did not differ between groups. In a subgroup analysis, patients with AIT had significantly lower 25(OH)D values than controls (p=0.009). Compared to controls, 25(OH)D levels were comparable in the ANSCH group (p=0.096). 25(OH)D level was higher in the AIT group than in the ANSCH group (p=0.01). Conclusion: Our results show that patients with SCH have lower 25(OH)D levels than healthy controls. However, this difference is significant in patients with AIT. It is recommended to screen for vitD deficiency in patients with SCH due to AIT.

PARADIGM SHIFTS IN VITAMIN D TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS: A DECADE-LONG OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Objective: Awareness about vitamin D deficiency has linearly increased over the years. Lack of clear guidelines regarding optimum dosage and inadvertent use of higher doses can lead to toxicity. This study was done to evaluate the changes in trends of vitamin D testing and status of serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) submitted for analysis to a large-volume reference laboratory. Material and Methods: An observational study was conducted at the section of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University. Data analysis of serum 25-OHD tests from January 2010 to December 2019 was performed. The patients were categorized as deficient, insufficient, optimal, hypervitaminosis or toxic based on 25-OHD values. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel version 16. Results: Total 903,282 tests were analyzed during the 10 years’ period Mean age (SD) was 40.7 (16.5) years, with 35.8% males. The 25-OHD testing since 2010 to 2019 increased by 62.3% in adults and 66.6% in children. The mean 25-OHD levels improved from 18.8 ng/ml in 2010 to 24.5 ng/ml in 2019 in adults, while no change in mean 25-OHD levels was noted in children. Conclusion: Testing and status of vitamin D improved with increased mean vitamin D levels and a decline in deficiency over 10 years. Our study calls for developing local guidelines for vitamin D-deficiency management, and taking caution when prescribing supplements, as vitamin D intoxication is concurrently increasing in the population. Key Words: 25OHD, Deficiency, Toxicity, Pakistan.

The levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and lipid profiles in patients with calcaneal spur.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin levels and lipid profiles in patients with calcaneal spurs. Patients and methods Between March 2018 and June 2019, a total of 50 patients (30 males, 20 females; mean age: 39.8±8.1 years; range, 24 to 54 years) admitted to our clinic with heel pain and diagnosed with heel spurs based on radiographic images were included. The control group consisted of 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (32 males, 18 females; mean age: 35.7±9.6 years; range, 20 to 56 years). Blood samples were collected from all participants. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride, phosphate, and calcium levels were measured using the colorimetric method. The PTH and 25(OH)D levels were measured using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Calcitonin levels were detected using the chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Results In the patients with calcaneal spurs, 25(OH)D and HDL-C levels were significantly lower (p<0.001), while LDL-C, triglyceride, and PTH levels were significantly higher (p<0.05, p<0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the calcium, phosphate, body mass index, and calcitonin levels between the groups. Conclusion Our study results suggest that calcaneal spur formation is associated not only with weight-related pressure, but also with lipid levels and hormonal alterations involved in calcium metabolism. Based on these findings, hormonal alterations and lipids should be considered in patients with calcaneal spurs.

The relationship of vitamin D deficiency with severity and outcome of acute stroke.

Background. There are currently conflicting results regarding the link between vitamin D deficiency and the increased risk for stroke and its poor prognosis. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prognosis of acute stroke. Methods. This bi-center cross-sectional study was performed on 140 consecutive patients who referred to two general hospitals in Iran with the diagnosis of acute stroke. The levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were evaluated by Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technique. Clinical severity of stroke on admission as well as on discharge time were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or Modified Rankin (mRS) tools. Results. Mean serum level of vitamin D was 25.51 ± 18.87 ng/mL, ranging from 3.0 to 98.6 ng/ml. There was a significant difference between the two groups (with and without vitamin D deficiency) in terms of stroke severity and disability, as reflected by mRS (P=0.003) and NIHSS evaluation (14.24 ± 9.23 versus 9.73 ± 7.36, P=0.003). Also, regarding patients' clinical condition, the mean NIHSS score in those with deficient and normal levels of vitamin D was 14.24 ± 9.23 and 9.73 ± 7.36, respectively with NIHSS score > 5 in 76.1% and 61.5%, respectively (P = 0.003). Conclusion. According to the results of study, vitamin D status can be related to the severity of stroke. However, considering the cross-sectional design of our study, it could not point out the causality between vitamin D deficiency and acute stroke and further studies are warranted. It is not possible to draw any conclusions in terms of causality. Further studies are required in order to assess the relationship between the serum vitamin D levels and stroke severity.

Machine learning approaches to constructing predictive models of vitamin D deficiency in a hypertensive population: a comparative study

ABSTRACT Objective: Given the association between vitamin D deficiency and risk for cardiovascular disease, we used machine learning approaches to establish a model to predict the probability of deficiency. Determination of serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) provided the best assessment of vitamin D status, but such tests are not always widely available or feasible. Thus, our study established predictive models with high sensitivity to identify patients either unlikely to have vitamin D deficiency or who should undergo 25(OH)D testing. Methods: We collected data from 1002 hypertensive patients from a Spanish university hospital. The elastic net regularization approach was applied to reduce the dimensionality of the dataset. The issue of determining vitamin D status was addressed as a classification problem; thus, the following classifiers were applied: logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), random forest, naive Bayes, and Extreme Gradient Boost methods. Classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were computed to assess the performance of each method. Results: The SVM-based method with radial kernel performed better than the other algorithms in terms of sensitivity (98%), negative predictive value (71%), and classification accuracy (73%). Conclusion: The combination of a feature-selection method such as elastic net regularization and a classification approach produced well-fitted models. The SVM approach yielded better predictions than the other algorithms. This combination approach allowed us to develop a predictive model with high sensitivity but low specificity, to identify the population that could benefit from laboratory determination of serum levels of 25(OH)D.

Vitamin D deficiency in patients with chronic hepatitis D viral infection.

Aim of the studyVitamin D deficiency is known to be associated with disease severity, unresponsiveness to treatment, and morbidity among patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C, autoimmune hepatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis. This study aims to research vitamin D levels in patients suffering from cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic phases of hepatitis D.Material and methods170 individuals in total were included in the study in the form of two groups: the first group of 100 patients with chronic hepatitis D (CHD), 30 of whom had cirrhosis, and the second control group of 70 individuals with similar characteristics to those of the first group in terms of age, type, and seasonal sampling. Levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured in the serum collected from patients and the control group.ResultsThe lowest 25(OH)D levels were identified in patients with cirrhotic CHD. When these levels were compared with those of the control group, they were found to be significant (15.30 ±6.92 and 18.90 ±8.30 ng/ml, respectively, p = 0.04). 25(OH)D deficiency (< 10 ng/ml) was detected at significantly higher rates in patients with both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic CHD compared to the healthy controls (30%, 25%, and 8.5%, respectively, p = 0.01). A significant correlation was established between 25(OH)D levels and bilirubin in patients with CHD (r = 0.252, p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis showed that chronic hepatitis D (odds ratio [OR] = 3.608, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-9.89, p = 0.013) and age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08, p = 0.033) were associated with vitamin D deficiency.ConclusionsFrequency of 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency is higher in patients with CHD. The identification of vitamin D levels and the replacement of any deficiency may create a positive effect on disease progression, morbidity, and mortality levels.

Association of serum vitamin D level with glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and objective: Vitamin D deficiency appears to be related to the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to assess the association between the level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D{25(OH)D3 and the glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This case-control study involved 240 participants divided into two groups, 119 patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus and 120 healthy individuals as a control group. The study was conducted in Layla Qassim Diabetic Center in Erbil from March 2018 to March 2019. The data were collected from all the cases, including history and physical examination, using a specially designed questionnaire. From all cases, blood was taken, and samples were sent to the laboratory for serum vitamin D3 level estimation. Results: From the total of 240 participants, the mean age of cases was 54.04 ± 10.56 years and of controls was 53.12 ± 9.84 years. The mean serum vitamin D3 level of the cases was 9.21 ± 5.69ng/ml, and it was non-significantly (P = 0.3) higher than the control (8.61±4.57)ng/ml. Both groups were within the vitamin D deficient range. Vitamin D level was non-significantly deficient in 84 (70.6%) of diabetic patients compared to 89(73.6%) of control. There was a non-significant difference in vitamin D level in poorly controlled diabetic patients compared to well-controlled diabetic patients (P = 0.584). Conclusion: No significant association was detected between vitamin D level and glycemic control. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Vitamin D3 level; Glycemic control.

The Relationship Between Serum Vitamin D Level and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity

Background and aims: : Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease which involves various organs. Vitamin D is an essential ingredient in regulating the immune system. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D and the severity of lupus activity. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 38 patients with lupus on the basis of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and 44 healthy subjects with no history of rheumatologic disease. To measure the level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, venous blood samples (5 cc) were taken from each participant and the activity of the lupus disease was measured by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scale. Finally, the chi-square test, independent sample t test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to measure multivariate effects. The level of significance was set to be P&lt;0.05. Results: Thirty-five lupus patients and 40 healthy subjects were females (P=0.847). Vitamin D deficiency was observed in the case (42.1%) and control (11.4%) groups. The mean value of serum vitamin D3 level was 35.3 ng/mL in the control group, as well as 24.6 ng/mL and 21.3 ng/mL in patients with mild and severe SLE, respectively (P=0.024). Conclusion: In this study, high levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were observed among the healthy subjects compared to patients with SLE. Eventually, the level of vitamin D significantly decreased by increasing the severity of SLE activity.

Gender-Dependent Association of Vitamin D Deficiency with Obesity and Hypercholesterolemia (LDLC) in Adults.

Obesity, dyslipidemia and vitamin D deficiency are growing health problems in the Arabian Gulf region. Their association with each other is yet to be clarified. Three-hundred and fourteen Bahraini adults, 164 males and 150 females comparable in median age (34.5 vs. 31.0 yrs), body mass index (BMI), and ethnicity were recruited. The plasma level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay and lipid profile parameters were measured by an automated clinical chemistry analyzer. Based on BMI, study subjects were grouped into underweight, normal, overweight, moderate obesity, and severe obesity subjects. The results revealed an extremely high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (79.9%) and insufficiency (18.8%). The predictors of low 25OHD3 levels were female gender, small age, conservative dressing, least exposure to sunlight, and less fish intake. In all subjects, the lowest 25OHD3 level was seen in underweight and severe obesity groups. Furthermore, the 25OHD3 level was significantly higher in males as compared to females and it was positively correlated with the age. However, detailed analysis showed that overweight males unlike females had the highest 25OHD3 levels which were significantly higher than in the severely obese males. While the lipid profile parameters were positively correlated with BMI, the total and LDL cholesterols were negatively correlated with the levels of 25OHD3 in males. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with both severely obese and underweight subjects, in the former it was likely to be institutional while in the latter it was likely to be nutritional. Furthermore, hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C) was associated with 25OHD3 sub-normality. Further analysis revealed that the significant associations were gender-dependent.

Sub-optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level affects 2-year survival after hip fracture surgery.

Hypovitaminosis D is a common condition seen in patients with acute hip fracture. We hypothesize that in addition to the other prognosticating factors, hypovitaminosis D may affect survival in patients treated for hip fractures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of serum level of25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) on the survivability after surgical fixation of hip fractures. We retrospectively studied data collected from January 2013 through December 2015 at a large tertiary hospital in Singapore. Patient's age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), delay of surgery, fracture patterns, ASA score, as well as their pre-operative serum levels of 25(OH)D, albumin and calcium were examined. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse post-operative outcomes including short (inpatient, 30 and 90days) and long-term mortality (2years). Data from 1004 patients were used. Information on the serum level of 25(OH)D was available in 80% of them (n = 801) and more than 90% (n = 735) of the patients had a baseline serum level of less than 30ng/ml. Mortality rate within this group were 1.1% (n = 9) at 30days, 1.9% (n = 15) at 90days and 11.0% (n = 88) at 2years follow up. Hypovitaminosis D was not a significant risk predictor for short-term mortality, but found to be a significant predictor at 2years. In this study, we showed a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among the osteoporotic hip fracture population and its impact on 2-year survivorship after hip fracture surgery.

The effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers, estradiol levels and severity of symptoms in women with postpartum depression: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in PPD pathogenesis. This study was designed to determine the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on the severity of symptoms and some related inflammatory biomarkers in women with PPD. Materials and Methods: Eighty-one women with a PPD score >12 participated in this study. A total of 27 patients were randomly assigned into three groups (1:1:1 ratio) to receive either 50,000 IU vitamin D3 fortnightly + 500 mg calcium carbonate daily; or 50,000 IU vitamin D3 fortnightly + placebo of calcium carbonate daily, or placebo of vitamin D3 fortnightly + placebo of calcium carbonate daily (placebo group) for 8 weeks. At the baseline and end of the study, the severity score of PPD, levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, calcium, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL6) and estradiol were measured. Results: The PPD score had more reduction in the vitamin D + calcium and vitamin D + calcium placebo groups than that of the placebo group (−1.7 ± 3.44, −4.16 ± 5.90 and 0.25 ± 2.81, respectively; p = 0.008). The effect of vitamin D on the PPD score was larger when vitamin D was given alone than given together with calcium (p = 0.042 and p = 0.004, respectively). No significant differences in estradiol, IL6 and TNFα were observed between the three groups. Discussion: Vitamin D may be effective in improving the clinical symptoms of PPD; however, the mechanism of the effect might not entirely operate through inflammatory and/or hormonal changes.

SP392Evaluation of Serum Levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

SP392Evaluation of Serum Levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Evaluation of Serum Level of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D in Vitiligo Patients

Evaluation of Serum Level of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D in Vitiligo Patients

Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D in Patients With Moderate and Severe Erectile Dysfunction

Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D in Patients With Moderate and Severe Erectile Dysfunction

Bone Mineral Density and Bone Remodeling in Tunisian Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background:A high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis is observed in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).Objective:The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of bone loss, bone remodeling and risk factors in Tunisian patient with IBD.Patients and Methods:The study included 40 patients with IBD and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls subjects. All participants underwent bone densitometry by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin(OC), and urinary degradation products of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTXI) were measured in all participants to assess the bone metabolism status.Results:Twelve (30%) patients were normal, 32.5% were osteopenic and 37.5% were osteoporotic. Osteoporosis was more frequent in IBD patients than controls (p=0.0001). Age and inflammation were associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). Mean calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were similar in both groups. Median 25(OH) D levels were significantly lower in IBD patients compared with controls (p=0.0001). Median urinary CTXI levels were significantly higher in IBD patients compared with healthy controls (p=0.007). No significant differences between IBD patients and controls concerning the median serum OC and PTH levels were found.Conclusion:In our study, there is a high prevalence of low BMD in IBD patients and an increase in bone resorption without a change of bone formation. Low BMI and hypovitaminoses D were identified as risk factors for low BMD.

Analysis of the levels of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in autumn and winter among children of Shenmu city, Shaanxi province

Objective To investigate the levels of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in autumn and winter among children of Shenmu city, Shaanxi province, and to provide theoretical basis for prevention and treatment of rickets in this area. Methods From June 2016 to December 2016, a total of 277 children in the children′s health clinic were sleceted.The morning fasting blood was extracted and serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results Among the 277 cases, there were 181 males and 96 females, including 163 infants(58.8%), 75 toddlers(27.1%), 24 preschool children(8.7%) and 15 school-going children(5.4%). The median (interquartile range) of serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D was 33.21(14.93)nmol/L.Among all children, 4.3% had severe vitamin D deficiency, 15.9% had moderate deficiency, 57.0% had mild deficiency, 7.9% had insufficient vitamin D levels, 11.9% had suitable vitamin D levels, while 2.9% had excess of vitamin D. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of 25-hydroxyl vitamin D between different age groups(H=10.133, P>0.05), and different gender groups(Z=0.712, 1.094, 0.476, 0.000, all P>0.05). The levels of serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D in serum extracted in autumn were higher than those extracted in winter(75.96% vs.90.75%, χ2=11.27, P<0.05). Conclusion There is significant deficiency of serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D in Shenmu children, which significantly increased in winter.The outdoor activities should be strengthened and the vitamin D should be timely supplemented to prevent the occurrence of rickets. Key words: Rickets; 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2; Child; Autumn and winter

Link between Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Diseases

Over the last decades, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) effect is increasing very fast. This review article discuss the association between low level of 25-hydroxy vitamin and cardiovascular diseases. This review also tells us the direct effect of vitamin D on heart or on cardiovascular system may also be involved. Apart from regulating blood pressure, vitamin D also regulate endothelial and smooth muscle cell muscles, most studies support 25 (OH) vitamin D having protective effects on cardiovascular system. However this association of vitamin D and cardiovascular diseases is based on observation & ecological studies and thus is a matter of controversy. Adequate clinical data are not available to confirm these association. Unopposed activation of RAAS & generation of angiotensin promote arterial stiffing & endothelial dysfunction that proceed & contribute to the development of hypertension & also predictors of CVD risk.

Vitamin D status in early pregancy

Objective To investigate the serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations and related factors in early pregnancy. Methods Plasma was collected in the first trimester from 23 396 pregnant women to investigate the vitamin D level, and its distribution and differences in different age, body maxx index(BMI) and seasons between primipara and multipara. Preterm birth was used as an indicator of clinical outcomes. Vitamin D concentrations were measured using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. Results 25-hydroxy vitamin D level was 42.0(17.6-76.6)nmol/L in totally 23 396 pregnant women with early pregnancy, and 5% and 95% percentile sites of vitamin D level were 20.2 nmol/L and 70.7 nmol/L respectively. There were 18 170(77.7%) primiparas and 5 226(22.3%) multiparas, with the mean age of 30.0(24.0-38.0) years and BMI of 20.7(16.5-27.6)kg/m2. The number of cases detected in spring (March, April and May), summer(June, July and August), autumn(September, October and November months) and winter(December, January and February) were 5 878, 5 554, 5 974, and 5 990, respectively, and the vitamin D levels were 40.0(29.3, 52.7)nmol/L, 46.2(35.6, 57.2)nmol/L, 43.8(33.1, 54.8)nmol/L and 37.2(26.9, 49.9)nmol/L respectively, with the difference in vitamin D levels statistically significant among the four seasons (P<0.001). According to BMI, all pregnant women were divided into four groups as BMI<18.5 kg/m2, 18.5 kg/m2≤BMI≤23.9 kg/m2, 24 kg/m2≤BMI≤27.9 kg/m2, BMI≥28 kg/m2, and the levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were 43.5(30.9, 56.9)nmol/L, 42.1(30.8, 53.8)nmol/L, 39.9(30.7, 50.4)nmol/L and 39.7(30.7, 49.4)nmol/L respectively with the difference statistically significant among the four groups. The levels of vitamin D detected in pregnant women with age<25 years, 25~29 years, 30~34 years, ≥35 years were 39.1(28.4, 52.3)nmol/L, 41.3(30.1, 52.9)nmol/L, 42.4(31.2, 54.1)nmol/L and 43.8(31.9, 55.7)nmol/L respectively and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The levels of 25- hydroxy vitamin D in primary and multiparas were 41.6(30.2, 52.9)nmol/L and 43.5(32.5, 56.8) nmol/L with the difference statistically significant (P<0.001). Among women of different gestational age during childbirth, the differences in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in early pregnancy were not statistically significant(P=0.121). The severe deficiency of vitamin D in early pregnancy was defined as serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D less than 5th level. There were statistical differences in the probability of severe vitamin D deficiency of different ages, seasons and BMI between primiparas and multiparas. Conclusions Pregnant women of lower weight, lower age and primiparity have higher incidence of the severe vitamin D deficiency in early trimester of pregnancy. There is significant difference in 25-hydroxy vitamin D level among the different seasons (winter<spring <autumn <summer). Vitamin D level in early pregnancy is not associated with preterm birth. Key words: 25-hydroxy vitamin D; Vitamin D deficiency; Early pregnancy

The critical level of vitamin D in childhood asthma

Objectives: Studies have suggested a significant link between vitamin D status and asthma. We sought to determine the cutoff level of25 hydroxy (25-OH) vitamin D that is significantly linked to asthma status in children.Methods: Our cross-sectional study comprised 90 asthmatic children, aged 2-18 years. They were evaluated clinically and classified according to asthma severity and control. Asthma control test (ACT) was performed in those aged above 4 years.Pulmonary functions were performed in cooperative children (n=59). Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were measured by ELISA in all patients.Results: The study comprised 52 boys (57.7%) and 38 girls (42.3%) with mean age 7.03±4.36 years. Thirty-six patients (40%) had mild asthma, 37 (41%) moderate asthma and 17 (19%) had severe asthma. Forty-two patients (46.6%) had controlled asthma; 14 (15.6%) partially controlled and 34 (37.8%) had uncontrolled asthma. ACT score ranged: 11-26, with mean score: 18.9 ± 4.3 SD. Serum 25-OHvitamin D levels ranged between 2-48 ng/ml (mean± SD: 12.2 ± 9 ng/ml); levels were comparable among different grades of asthma severity (f= 1.975, p=0.145), while the uncontrolled asthma group showed the lowest levels (f=8.511, p <0.001). 25-OH vitamin D levels correlated positively with ACT score (r= 0.369, p= <0.001) but not with inhaled steroids doses or any of the pulmonary function parameters. A level of 7.5 ng/ml was associated with partial/completeuncontrol of asthma with 81 % sensitivity and 53 % specificity.Conclusion: 25-OH vitamin D levels below 7.5 ng/ml are associated with poor asthma status in children.Keywords: Asthma, allergy, children, severity, inhaled steroids, 25 hydroxy vitamin D.