Relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and retinopathy of prematurity

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, 25 (OH) D, levels and retinopathy of prematurity. Methods and Results: Serum 25 (OH) D levels were measured in 97 very low birth weight infants, prior to vitamin D supplementation. The development of retinopathy of prematurity and its treatment requirement were evaluated. At follow-up, retinopathy of prematurity developed in 71 (73.2%) infants. Serum 25 (OH) D levels were significantly lower in infants with retinopathy of prematurity than ones without retinopathy of prematurity (P<0.001). The infants who required treatment had lower 25 (OH) D levels compared with the infants who did not required treatment (7.1 +/- 5.2ng/ml vs. 11.9 +/- 6.5ng/ml; P=0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that lower serum 25 (OH) D levels may be a risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity development [OR: 1.14, 95% CI (1.02-1.27), P=0.02]. Conclusion: Lower 25 (OH) D levels in the first days of life may be related to retinopathy of prematurity development and treatment requirement in premature infants.