Severe hypovitaminosis D in pregnant refugees arriving in Europe: neonatal outcomes and importance of prenatal intervention

Abstract

Adequate vitamin D levels are particularly important in pregnant women for both maternal and neonatal health. Prior studies have shown a significantly hi gh prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among refugees. However, no study has addressed the prevalence of VDD in pregnant refugees and its effects on neonatal health. In this study, we examined the prevalence of VDD in refugee pregnant women living in Greece an d compared our results with Greek pregnant inhabitants. VDD was frequent in both group s but was significantly more common in refugees (92.2 vs 67.3% of Greek women, P = 0.003) with 70.6% of refugees having severe hypovitaminosis D (<10 ng/mL). As a resu lt, most newborns had VDD, which affected refugee newborns to a greater extent. Our re sults suggest a need to screen newcomer children and pregnant women for VDD in all host countries around the world. Such a screen will appropriately guide early and effectiv e interventions with the goal to prevent adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes.

Keywords

• vitamin d deficiency
• pregnant women
• refugees
• neonatal outcomes