Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and their newborns as seen at a tertiary-care center in Karachi, Pakistan

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan; correlate maternal and cord blood vitamin D deficiency; and assess possible predictors of vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

This observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 consecutive women in labor presenting with a singleton term pregnancy at a large tertiary center in Karachi. Data were recorded on a special form, maternal blood was taken before delivery and cord blood was taken at delivery. All blood samples were analyzed for 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels. Comparisons were made using the Χ² test.

Results

The mean vitamin D levels were 24 ng/mL for the participants and 20 ng/mL for the newborns. Vitamin D sufficiency was noted in 11 (22%), insufficiency in 16 (32%), and deficiency in 23 (46%) of the 50 participants whereas sufficiency and deficiency, respectively, were noted in 6 (12%) and 44 (88%) of the newborns. There was a positive correlation between the vitamin D levels in maternal and cord blood (r = 0.03; P < 0.003). Maternal vitamin D levels were significantly affected by sunlight exposure (P < 0.007) and quality of diet P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is high among pregnant urban Pakistani women and their newborns. This public health problem needs urgent attention.     

Bone marker status in mothers and their newborns in Iran

Objectives. The contribution of maternal skeletal calcium metabolism in pregnancy is evidenced in changes in the markers of bone formation and bone resorption. Changes in maternal bone markers could affect fetal bone mineralization. The aim of this study was to determine the association between maternal and cord blood bone markers.

Methods. Five hundred and fifty-two pregnant women were recruited from Tehran University educating hospitals in the winter of 2002. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken at delivery. The serum was assayed for osteocalcin and crosslaps, calcium, and parathyroid hormone.

Results. There was significant correlation between maternal and cord blood serum osteocalcin and crosslaps levels, and the mean cord blood levels of osteocalcin and crosslaps were significantly higher at about 1.59- and 1.62-fold maternal levels, respectively. Serum calcium levels strongly correlated with osteocalcin and crosslaps in mothers (r = 0.21, p = 0.001 and r = 0.25, p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions. Skeletal calcium release may play a major role in calcium homeostasis during pregnancy. Because of this, calcium supplements could have an important role in pregnant women in decreasing the risk of subsequent complications such as osteoporosis.     

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant mothers in Tehran and investigating its association with serum glucose and insulin

Purpose: (1) To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women. (2) To identify any correlations between maternal vitamin D levels and maternal and newborns’ glucose and insulin levels.

Methods: This observational cohort study followed 149 healthy pregnant women visiting a hospital in Tehran, Iran in 2014 until the delivery of their term babies. Maternal serum vitamin D levels, and fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in both mothers and newborns were measured at delivery. Mothers’ weight before pregnancy and right before delivery and babies’ birth weight were measured.

Results: Of sample population, 27% had vitamin D deficiency, while 73% had insufficient vitamin D. No mother had sufficient vitamin D level. Maternal weight right before delivery negatively correlated with maternal serum vitamin D level (p?=?.04). Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in mothers who deliver a male infant (p?=?.03). Maternal serum vitamin D levels did not correlate with maternal or neonatal serum glucose or insulin levels or newborns’ birth weight. Gestational age, maternal weight right before delivery, parity and maternal serum glucose predict infant’s birth weight.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pregnant women. Factors causing this epidemic need investigation. Promoting consumption of vitamin D-fortified foods and supplements among pregnant women is suggested.     

Association of vitamin D deficiency with acute lower respiratory tract infections in newborns

Objective: To determine the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and acute respiratory tract infections (ALRTI) in newborns.

Study design: The study group consisted of 30 term newborns with ALRTI who were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. Controls were 30 healthy newborns with the same age as the study group. Newborns and their mothers were tested for serum 25(OH)D levels, with a low level defined as ≤15?ng/mL.

Results: The groups were similar in gestational week, birthweight, postnatal age and gender. Forty-three of the 60 infants (including study and control) had low 25(OH)D levels. The median 25(OH)D levels were lower [9.5?ng/mL (IQR?=?7.9–12.2)] in the study group than those of the control group [15.5?ng/mL (IQR: 12–18)] (p?=?0.0001). The median serum 25(OH)D levels in the mothers of the study group were also lower than those in the mothers of the control group [11.6?ng/mL (IQR?=?9.4–15.8) and 17.3?ng/mL (IQR?=?13.7–20.6), respectively] (p?=?0.0001).

Conclusion: Lower blood 25(OH)D levels might be associated with increased risk of ALRTI in term newborn babies. Appropriate vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and early childhood may enhance newborns’ respiratory health.     

Severe vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women and their newborns in Turkey

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is an important health problem in pregnant women and their infants in sunny countries. Low socio-economic status (LSES), covered dressing style, pregnancies in winter season and having dark skin are the major risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. The present study evaluated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] concentrations in pregnant women and in their newborns and determined the risk factors in LSES cities in Turkey.

Methods: Ninety-seven pregnant women and their newborns were included in the study between December 2012 and February 2013. All of the pregnant women had irregular follow-up or had received no antenatal care, were pregnant during summer, had presented to the hospital after 37 weeks of gestation (WG) and had received no vitamin D supplementation. A detailed history was obtained, which included mothers’ age, number of births and dressing sytle. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken to measure 25(OH)D3 levels.

Results: All of the pregnant women were predominantly LSES, had covered dressing style and none of them had received vit D3 supplementation during pregnancy. The mean serum 25(OH)D3 level and mean cord blood level of of 97 mothers were 4.97?±?3.27?ng/ml and 4.29?±?2.44?ng/ml, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between maternal serum and umbilical cord 25(OH)D3 levels (r: 0.735, p?<?0.05). Ninety-five mothers had serum 25(OH)D3 below 20?ng/ml and all cord blood serum 25(OH)D3 levels were below 20?ng/ml. Level of 25(OH)D3 was not correlated with mother age, WG or newborn weight. Serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations in primigravida and multigravida were 3.71?±?1.88 and 5.2?±?3.4?ng/ml, respectively, with a significant difference between them (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: Severe vitamin D deficiency is common in reproductive women and their newborns in LSES cities of Turkey. Covered dressing style, not receiving any vitamin D supplementation and primigravida women are at greatest risk. Vitamin D supplementation campaigns which should cover pregnant women and the newborn to prevent maternal and perinatal vitamin D deficiency should be implemented especially in risk areas.     

High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in a Turkish population and impact on perinatal outcomes

Objective: Maternal vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of vitamin D deficiency on perinatal results in primigravida.

Methods: One-hundred fifty-two healthy nullipar women were included in the study. Pregnant women with serum vitamin D levels <15ng/ml were defined as Group I and ≥15?ng/dl were defined as Group II; data were evaluated retrospectively. Type of delivery, gestational age at birth, birth weight, intensive care of the newborn, peri-and postpartum complications were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS for Windows (version 16.0 ). Categorical variables were assessed using chi-squared test. The numeric variables were analyzed using Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA.

Results: 44.6% of pregnant women were found to have vitamin D deficiency. The mean serum vitamin D levels for Groups I and II were 10.8?±?3.8 and 23.8?±?13.3?ng/ml, respectively. SGA deliveries were detected in 16.66% and 4.87% of the primigravidas with and without vitamin D deficiency, respectively.

Conclusions: This study has shown that maternal vitamin D deficiency is related with an increased risk of SGA delivery. Further studies are needed to explain the relationship with vitamin D deficiency and poor perinatal outcomes.     

Vitamin D deficiency in adolescent pregnancy and obstetric outcomes

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of vitamin D deficiency in adolescent pregnants and its influence on the obstetric outcomes.Materials and methodsA total of 300 singleton pregnant women aged between 14 and 20 years, were divided into three groups according to their gestational weeks (100 pregnant adolescents from each trimester). Randomly selected 300 singleton pregnant women older than 20 years of age with the similar gestational ages were designed as the control group at the same time period. We divided serum 25(OH)D levels into three categories deficiency, inadequacy and adequate levels according to the Endocrine Society guidelines. Serum 25(OH)D levels were also evaluated according to age, seasons and gestational periods. Adverse obstetric outcomes were recorded.ResultsOverall, 86% of the subjects were found to have deficient 25(OH)D levels (<20 ng/ml). The levels indicated an inadequate state in 72 subjects (12%) and only 12 (2%) women had adequate 25 (OH) D levels. Among adult pregnant women the rates of deficient, inadequate and adequate levels were 88.3%, 11%, and 0.7% respectively. Among adolescent pregnant women these rates were 83.7%, 13%, and 3.3% respectively. The lowest 25(OH)D levels occurred during the winter while the highest levels were detected during the summer in both groups. Calcidiol, 25(OH)D, was a significant predictor for preterm delivery (AUC = 0,909; p < 0,001) and also for SGA (AUC = 0,915; p < 0,001). Maternal age was another significant predictor for SGA (AUC = 0,787; p < 0,001) and preterm delivery (AUC = 0,785; p < 0,001).ConclusionWe found a high incidence of 25(OH)D deficiency in Turkish pregnant women. Adolescent age and low 25(OH)D levels are significant risk factors for PTD and SGA. Effective prophylaxis programs for vitamin D deficieny and/or fortification of foods with vitamin D are essential in pregnant women especially in the winter season.     

Dysregulation of maternal and placental vitamin D metabolism in preeclampsia

IntroductionEpidemiology has linked preeclampsia (PET) to decreased maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3). However, alterations in systemic and placental/decidual transport and metabolism of 25(OH)D3 during pregnancy suggest that other forms of vitamin D may also contribute to the pathophysiology of PET.MethodsIn a cross sectional analysis of normal pregnant women at 1st (n = 25) and 3rd trimester (n = 21), pregnant women with PET (n = 22), and non-pregnant female controls (n = 20) vitamin D metabolites were quantified in paired maternal serum, placental, and decidual tissue.ResultsSerum 25(OH)D3 was not significantly different in sera across all four groups. In normal 3rd trimester pregnant women serum active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)₂D3) was significantly higher than non-pregnant, normal 1st trimester pregnant, and PET women. Conversely, PET sera showed highest levels of the catabolites 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)₂D3). Serum albumin was significantly lower in normal 3rd trimester pregnant women and PET relative to normal 1st trimester pregnant women, but there was no change in free/bioavailable 25(OH)D3. In PET placental tissue, 25(OH)D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 were lower than normal 3rd trimester tissue, whilst placental 24,25(OH)₂D3 was highest in PET. Tissue 1,25(OH)₂D3 was detectable in 1st trimester decidua, which also showed 10-fold higher 25(OH)D3 relative to paired placentae. 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)₂D3 were not different for decidua and placenta. In normal 3rd trimester pregnant women, total, free and bioavailable maternal 25(OH)D3 correlated with placental 25(OH)D3, but this was not conserved for PET.DiscussionThese data indicate that PET is associated with decreased activation, increased catabolism, and impaired placental uptake of 25(OH)D3.     

Association of vitamin D level and vitamin D deficiency with risk of preeclampsia: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis

Objectives

Because of the immune modulatory effects of vitamin D3 in preeclampsia, we intend to have a systematic review and meta-analysis on association of both 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) level (parametric approach) and 25-OHD deficiency (non-parametric approach) with preeclampsia. As well, for the parametric part, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve model.

The effect of vitamin D3 on improving lipid profile,fasting glucose and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome women with vitamin D deficiency

Introduction

Metabolic disturbances are common in women with PCOS. Some studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in metabolic disorders and insulin resistance, although limited clinical trials on this subject have been published with contradictory findings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D on metabolic disorders in women with PCOS and vitamin D deficiency.

25-Hydroxy vitamin D levels in premenopausal Turkish women with uterine leiomyoma

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and the risk of uterine fibroids in premenopausal women in Turkish population in this prospective observational cross-sectional study. Sixty-eight women with at least one uterine leiomyoma ≥10?mm were compared with 56 healthy controls. Serum 25-(OH) vitamin D₃ levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, gravidity and parity numbers. The mean level of 25-(OH) D3 were 7.28?±?4.94?ng/ml and 78% of patients (n?=?97) had severe vitamin D deficiency (?p?=?.009). Vitamin D levels were not correlated with size, volume, localization and number of leiomyomas. Traditional covered clothing style, low education level and being housewife were risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency. This is the first study that investigates the vitamin D levels in women with leiomyomas in Turkish population. Influence of vitamin D on uterine leiomyoma formation to may lead to new preventive strategies in the future.     

Vitamin D deficiency in Egyptian mothers and their neonates and possible related factors

Abstract

Objective: To correlate vitamin D level in Egyptian mothers with that of their newborns, and examine risk factors related to maternal vitamin D deficiency.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the university teaching hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Serum 25(OH) D levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 135 pregnant women at ≥37 weeks’ gestation immediately before delivery and in cord blood of their newborns.

Results: The levels of serum 25(OH) D were 32.6?±?21.4?ng/ml in mothers and 16.7?±?10?ng/ml in their newborns. Maternal vitamin D level was strongly correlated with that of the newborns (r?=?0.7, p?<?0.0001). Maternal vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and neonatal vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency were encountered in (40%, 28.9% and 60%, 32.6% respectively). Maternal vitamin D levels showed significant correlations with maternal body mass index (BMI; r?=??0.201, p?=?0.021), gestational age at delivery (r?=?0.315, p?≤?0.0001), fish consumption (r?=?0.185, p?=?0.032), educational level (r?=?0.29, p?=?0.001), and skin exposure (r?=?0.247, p?=?0.004).

Conclusion: Maternal vitamin D levels strongly correlate with neonatal levels. Maternal vitamin D deficiency is a real problem in Egypt; this is generally related to high BMI, low fish consumption, low educational level, and limited skin exposure.     

Expression profiling of vitamin D receptor in placenta, decidua and ovary of pregnant mice

Objectives

The presence of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the identification of localized vitamin D3 synthesis in placenta and decidua implicate the importance of vitamin D3 in reproductive function. There is, however, no data on the expression profile of VDR in the mouse placenta and endometrium throughout the pregnancy period.

Study design

In the present work expression of VDR in reproductive tissues of pregnant mice at different gestational phases has been addressed. Expression of VDR was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The results showed that VDR mRNA and protein were expressed in decidua, placenta and ovary throughout the pregnancy. VDR gene expression in placenta was significantly elevated in late pregnancy when compared to that of mid pregnancy. Additionally, VDR expression level in decidua rose significantly as pregnancy progressed from early to mid stages. VDR expression in decidua of pregnant mice was higher in comparison to endometrium of non-pregnant mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that VDR protein is consistently expressed by luminal and glandular epithelial cells of decidua, giant cells, glycogen rich cells and labyrinth cells of placenta and by almost all follicular cell types of ovary. Surveying the expression of VDR at the protein level by Western blotting confirmed PCR results.

Conclusion

It seems that expression of VDR in reproductive organs is finely tuned during pregnancy indicating its eminent role in reproductive biology.     

Comparison of sun exposure versus vitamin D supplementation for pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency

Introduction: Maternal vitamin D deficiency is widespread health problem that is more important in pregnant women, which affects fetus growth and bone development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sun exposure versus vitamin D supplementation for pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency.

Materials and methods: This prospective clinical trial was performed on 87 pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency. Group A was treated with vitamin D 4000?IU per day for 10 weeks, while group B was recommended for sun exposure for 30?minutes daily (30% body surface area) for 10 weeks in summer and between 10 am–4?pm in direct sunlight. After the delivery, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ levels were measured in the same previous center. Moreover, weight, height, and head circumference of fetus were measured at delivery in both groups and compared with each other.

Results: After 10-week intervention, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ levels was significantly higher in group treated with vitamin D as compared to sun expose group (31.27 versus 19.79?ng/ml). (p?p?=?.118), weight (p?=?.245), and head circumference (p?=?.681) of infants in both groups did not show significant differences.

Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation is more effective than sun exposure in increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ in pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency.     

PIVKA-II plasma levels as markers of subclinical vitamin K deficiency in term infants

Background: As the vitamin K content of human milk is low and the newborn infant's stores of vitamin K are small, vitamin K deficiency with hemorrhage in the newborn is a worldwide problem. Proteins Induced by Vitamin K Absence (PIVKA-II) are the inactive under-γ-carboxylated forms of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and they could be useful in predicting subclinical vitamin K deficiency (VKD). Objectives: To demonstrate that PIVKA-II are earlier markers of subclinical VKD than Prothrombin time (PT) in exclusively breast-fed newborns. Methods: A prospective, controlled, randomized study, including 53 term newborns receiving vitamin K prophylaxis (0.5 mg i.m.) at birth, was performed. At 30 days newborns were divided into three groups (G) receiving respectively: 25 μg/die of vitamin K (G I), 12 μg/die (G II) or placebo (G III). PIVKA-II and PT were measured on 30th and 90th days of life. Results: G III and GII showed a significant increase in PIVKA-II from 30 to 90 days of life respectively from 2.6 to 4.7 (p = 0.001) and from 2.3 to 3.5 (p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in GI. PT showed no significant changes among groups. Conclusions: PT is a less sensitive marker than PIVKA II. Oral supplementation with 25 μg/die avoids an increase of PIVKA-II. Despite increased PIVKA-II do not mean an impending occurrence of bleeding, they highlight a subclinical VKD and its relative risk.     

Predictive value of the level of vitamin D in follicular fluid on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology

Objective

To assess the correlation between the levels of vitamin D in follicular fluid and serum, and to determine whether the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D) in follicular fluid of infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) is associated with the outcome.

Study design

Eighty-two infertile women undergoing ART at an academic tertiary care centre were recruited for a prospective cohort study. Levels of 25OH-D in follicular fluid and serum were measured. Standardized regimens for pituitary downregulation and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were employed. Patient and cycle parameters, and clinical pregnancy (defined as evidence of intra-uterine gestation sac plus heart rate on ultrasound) were determined.

Results

A significant correlation was found between the levels of vitamin D in follicular fluid and serum (r = 0.767, p = 0.001). The overall rates of chemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy were 35.5% (n = 29), 29.3% (n = 24) and 23.2% (n = 19), respectively. No significant difference was found in these pregnancy rates between the tertiles of 25OH-D level in follicular fluid (p = 0.959, 0.995 and 0.604, respectively). The median serum level of vitamin D was 8.13 (range 5.37-13.62) ng/ml in the clinically pregnant group and 8.29 (range 5.93-21.23) ng/ml in the non-pregnant group (p = 0.235). Interestingly, the median level of vitamin D in follicular fluid was 9.19 (range 5.25-19.51) ng/ml in the clinically pregnant group and 10.34 (range 5.89-29.69) ng/ml in the non-pregnant group (p = 0.433). The fertilization rate decreased significantly and the implantation rate increased (not significantly) with increasing tertiles of 25OH-D level in follicular fluid.

Conclusions

The level of 25OH-D in follicular fluid is reflective of body stores of vitamin D. Most subjects in this study were deficient in vitamin D, but this study found that vitamin D deficiency does not play a pivotal role in the outcome of ART.     

1型糖尿病患儿血清维生素A和维生素D水平及其临床意义

目的分析1型糖尿病(T1DM)患儿血清维生素A和维生素D水平变化及其临床意义。方法 2012年2月至2015年1月南阳市中心医院儿科收治住院的T1DM患儿45例,为T1DM组,其中27例合并酮症酸中毒(DKA)。同期选取本院健康体检儿童38例,为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附法测定血清维生素A和维生素D水平。结果 T1DM患儿血清维生素A和维生素D水平均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。单纯T1DM患儿血清维生素A和维生素D与T1DM合并DKA患儿比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论及时、足量补充维生素A和维生素D可能降低或延迟儿童T1DM发病。     

Effect of two high dose vitamin D by parenteral route in treating vitamin D deficiency a prospective interventional study

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a global public health problem. Despite ample sunshine, vitamin D deficiency is very common in the Middle East (15°–36°N) and African (35°S–37°N) countries; and in South Asian countries.

Aim: To find a simple, affordable and practical plan to treat vitamin-d deficiency.

Type of study: This was a prospective interventional study.

Outcome variable: The primary outcome was typed as vitamin-D level more than 50 nanograms/ml as ‘yes’ and poor response or ‘no’ when it was less than 50 ng/ml.

Participants: 80 Women participated in study.

Laboratory tests: Vitamin D [25-OHD]-estimations were performed with LCMSMS-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Corrective vitamin-D doses: All participants received TWO doses of Vitamin-D injections one ml at a time [600K?IU/ml or 600,000?IU/ml]. All participants received their first dose; after collecting blood samples for Vitamin-D estimations. Second dose was given about a month after the first one [range 30–37 days]. These doses were given to correct the deficiency.

Results: Even with this high dose treatment 60% woman had unsatisfactory Vitamin-D levels.     

Expression of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor in chorionic villous in missed abortion

Abstract

The contemporary world despite its enough developed medicine and generally highly enlightened population faces a great problem of vitamin, micro-element and nutrient deficiency turning to become the XXI century pandemic. Along with that significant growth of interest can be seen towards vitamin D importance for reproductive physiology. The fact is that vitamin D receptors (VDR) have been detected in women's ovarium tissue, fallopian tubes, decidua and placenta. Some recent years studies have proven that vitamin D may act as immune regulator during implantation. During early pregnancy the trophoblast release vitamin D, which produces anti-inflammatory reaction and also induce decidual tissue growth for successive pregnancy. It was a comparison between the expression of Vitamin D and VDR in chorionic villous in cases of normal pregnancy and missed abortion groups. 64 samples of chorionic villous were taken: 32 from missed abortion and 32 from the induced abortion group. Abortive material was taken from two groups of women residing in North-West region of Russia: missed abortion and pregnancy terminated at woman's wish (induced abortion); 6–12 weeks of gestation, singleton pregnancy. Immune histochemical examination showed homogenous distribution of vitamin D and VDR expression in syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts and chorion villus stroma.Vitamin D expression relative area was 10,3% which is statistically different from the induced abortion group – 15,4% (p<0,01). VDR expression analysis showed its homogenous distribution in chorionic villus structures in both groups. High VDR expression was detected in chorion villus stromal components. In missed abortion group, the morphometry results showed distinctly lower relative area of vitamin D expression against the comparison group (35,9?±?1,8; 56,1?±?2,4 p?<?0,01). Also in missed abortion group, positively significant correlation has been determined between the level of vitamin D in blood and VDR relative area expression (r?=?0,412). In missed abortion group, definite vitamin D and VDR expression decrease was detected compared to the induced abortion group. The results witness vitamin D importance for pregnancy progress.