Maternal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level and the occurrence of neural tube defects in 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 ± 10.25 nmol/L) than in the control group (28.30 ± 13.82 nmol/L; P P Conclusion The findings confirm an association between a decreased vitamin D level in pregnant women and the risk of fetal NTDs.