A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Outcome of Pregnancies with Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Introduction: Maternal vitamin D deficiency is a major publichealth problem. Poor vitamin D status during pregnancy isassociated with poor outcomes and increased morbidity. Thepresent study was conducted to find any association betweenmaternal vitamin D3 deficiency and IUGR and impact ofVitamin D3 supplementation on the outcome.Material and Methods: This prospective, randomised, doubleblind, interventional study was conducted on 172 pregnantwomen diagnosed of Type II/Type III IUGR and confirmedby ultrasound. They were randomly divided into two Groups:Group A (supplemented with Vitamin D 2000 IU/day) andGroup B (no supplementation). All the cases were followedup till delivery and any significant events were recorded.Results: Statistically significant differences were found in thecaesarean section rates and birth weights of the neonate in boththe Groups. There was no significant impact on duration ofgestation. Moderately positive correlation was found betweenthe duration of supplementation and increase in birth weight.Conclusion: Maternal Vitamin D3 deficiency is associatedwith increased risk of operative delivery and low birth weight,both of which can be improved by Vitamin D supplementation.The increase in birth weight correlates with the duration ofsupplementation.

A Study to Evaluate the Clinical Profiles of Asymmetric and Mixed Types of Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Introduction: The prevalence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is about 28% in the general population. IUGR posesincreased risk of fetal mortality and morbidity and also contributes to developmental origin of health and disease. Of the threetypes of IUGR, Type III is more common in developing countries. This study evaluates the clinical profiles of Type II and Type IIIIUGR and also to evaluate any differences between the two types.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study was conducted on 86 pregnant women withgestational age of more than 24 weeks, clinically diagnosed as IUGR and confirmed by ultrasound. They were followed up tilldischarge in the postnatal period. Any significant antenatal, intranatal, or postnatal events were recorded.Results: There were increased incidences of oligohydramnios, preterm birth, and requirement of cesarean section whichare increased in the cases of IUGR, more in Type II than in Type III IUGR. Furthermore, there were significant differences inmaternal Vitamin D levels between the low and normal birth weight groups in Type II IUGR.Conclusion: IUGR is associated with increased risk of preterm birth and operative delivery. Deficient maternal serum Vitamin Dlevels are a risk factor for low birth weight in asymmetric IUGR only, though further studies need to be conducted in this regard.