BackgroundVitamin D deficiencies have been suggested as one of the risk factors for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] administration in pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery on the incidence of RDS in their preterm neonates.MethodsA single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on pregnant mothers with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks at risk of preterm delivery. Subjects

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... ere randomly assigned into two groups by the corresponding author, including intervention (intramuscular injection of 50,000 units of 25(OH) D three days before delivery) and control (with no injection of 25(OH) D). Serum concentrations of 25(OH) D were measured after offspring, including RDS, were collected and recorded in a checklist. Short-term outcomes and the need for respiratory support were assessed by the principal investigator who was unaware of the type of intervention. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, paired sample t-test, and chi-square test.ResultsDespite the homogeneity of neonates in the two groups in terms of gestational age, birth weight and the delivery method, 45% of neonates in the control group and 20% in the intervention group developed respiratory distress syndrome (P < 0.05). The mean 25(OH) D level in neonates was 17.7 ± 10.5 and 23.7 ± 13.5 ng/mL in the intervention and control groups, respectively.ConclusionsAccording to this study, a single dose of 50,000 units of intramuscular 25(OH) D in pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery can reduce the incidence of RDS in the newborn.Trial RegistrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20190814044529N1. Registered 21st Jan. 2020, https://fa.irct.ir/user/trial/41515/view