VITAMIN D STATUS IN PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC AT OUR TERTIARY CARE CENTRE.

Introduction Vitamin D (VD) is a component of the intricate steroid hormone system, which has long been linked to the metabolism of bone. The rise in rickets cases recently has renewed attention in vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Furthermore, research on the physiology of VD raises the possibility that the consequences of VDD may extend far beyond rickets and include problems with pregnancy, allergies, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Serum levels of 1,25(OH)D can increase up to threefold during pregnancy, peaking in the third trimester and beginning at 10-12 weeks of gestation Aim and Objectives This prospective study is undertaken to study vitamin D levels in pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of our tertiary care hospital. METHODOLOGY: In total, 200 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy, <16 weeks of gestational age, visited to antenatal clinic of our institute were consecutively enrolled for the study. 3 ml venous blood sample was collected the sample was centrifuged for the separation of serum, used for the estimation of vitamin D by using chemiluminescence immunoassay in the department of Biochemistry. Results and Discussion In the present study, 200 pregnant women who were attending the antenatal clinic for routine checkup were screened for Vitamin D levels. The mean age of the pregnant women were 24.78±8.64 years. It is found that the mean levels of vitamin D in vitamin D insufficient groups were 23.162±1.68 and in deficient were 13.23±5.432. Out of the 200 pregnant women, 36 (18%) had insufficient vitamin D levels and 150 (75%) had vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of VDD was found to be 75% in pregnant women in our region. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is very common in pregnant women, hence the present study recommends routine screening of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]