Kaouther Nasri1, Mohamed K Ben Fradj2, Moncef Feki2, Naziha Kaabechi2, Mariem Sahraoui3, Aida Masmoudi3, Raja Marrakchi4, Soumeya S Gaigi3. 1. Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Zarzouna, Bizerte, Tunisia; UR06/SP14 Disorders of Embryo-Fetal and Placental Development, Service of Embryo-Fetopathology, Center for Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia. Electronic address: nasrikaouther512@gmail.com. 2. UR05/08-08, LR99ES11, Department of Biochemistry, Rabta Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Jebbari, Tunis, Tunisia. 3. UR06/SP14 Disorders of Embryo-Fetal and Placental Development, Service of Embryo-Fetopathology, Center for Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia. 4. Laboratory of Human Genetics, Immunology and Pathology, Faculty of Sciences, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether low vitamin D levels in pregnant women are associated with the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in Tunisia. METHODS: In a prospective study, pregnant women were recruited at a center in Tunis between January 1, 2012, and December 30, 2013. Women carrying a fetus with a severe NTD were recruited before elective termination. Matched, healthy pregnancy women were enrolled into a control group. Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured by a competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: Overall, 68 women formed the NTD group and 64 the control group. The mean maternal vitamin D level was significantly lower in the NTD group (20.65±10.25nmol/L) than in the control group (28.30±13.82nmol/L; P<0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was recorded for 53 (78%) women in the NTD group and 39 (61%) in the control group. Vitamin D insufficiency was recorded for 15 (22%) women in the NTD group and 20 (31%) in the control group. Vitamin D sufficiency was found only in the control group (n=5 [8%]; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings confirm an association between a decreased vitamin D level in pregnant women and the risk of fetal NTDs.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether low vitamin D levels in pregnant women are associated with the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in Tunisia. METHODS: In a prospective study, pregnant women were recruited at a center in Tunis between January 1, 2012, and December 30, 2013. Women carrying a fetus with a severe NTD were recruited before elective termination. Matched, healthy pregnancy women were enrolled into a control group. Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured by a competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: Overall, 68 women formed the NTD group and 64 the control group. The mean maternal vitamin D level was significantly lower in the NTD group (20.65±10.25nmol/L) than in the control group (28.30±13.82nmol/L; P<0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was recorded for 53 (78%) women in the NTD group and 39 (61%) in the control group. Vitamin Dinsufficiency was recorded for 15 (22%) women in the NTD group and 20 (31%) in the control group. Vitamin D sufficiency was found only in the control group (n=5 [8%]; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings confirm an association between a decreased vitamin D level in pregnant women and the risk of fetal NTDs.