Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among South Indian pregnant women.

Background: Deficiency of vitamin D is widespread across the globe. Expectant women are one of the most vulnerable groups for vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Even in South India with abundance of sunlight, pregnant women are believed to be at a high risk of this deficiency. The objectives of this study are to assess the prevalence of VDD in antenatal women, associate it with modifiable risk factors and evaluate its correlation with low birth weight. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, in Chennai, in 100 pregnant women in their last trimester on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and their vitamin D and calcium levels were assessed. A detailed history regarding physical activity, diet, and sun exposure were collected and results were analyzed. Results: The point prevalence of VDD (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) level <20 ng/mL) among antenatal women in our study is 62%. Univariate analysis revealed that sun exposure and socioeconomic status were the significant factors associated with higher percentage of VDD. Linear regression analysis showed that only sun exposure was a significant predictor for serum 25(OH) D levels. VDD is also associated with increased risk of low-birth-weight babies. Conclusion: VDD is highly prevalent among pregnant women in South India leading to adverse health consequences in the mother and offspring. Less physical activity, decreased sun exposure, darker skin complexion, lower socioeconomic status and lack of awareness are the major risk factors associated with VDD in our study population.

Assessment of phagocytic activity of neutrophils in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIM: To assess the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BACKGROUND/NEED OF STUDY: There is a paucity of data in relation to phagocytic function in COPD. By this multidisciplinary study, a better understanding about the etiology of lung destruction among COPD patients is being sought. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 28 subjects with COPD and 25 controls in a private tertiary hospital in Chennai after obtaining Institutional Ethical Clearance. Known cases of COPD as proven by clinical findings and spirometry were included in the study, and subjects with any other source of infection, recent surgery, or chronic granulomatous disease were excluded. The study subjects were divided into three groups based on the severity of COPD as determined by spirometry, and healthy volunteers were taken as Group 4. After obtaining informed consent, validated respiratory health questionnaire was administered. The phagocytic function was assessed by Candida phagocytic test and Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) Reduction Test. RESULTS: Significantly impaired phagocytic function as indicated by lower phagocytic, lytic indices and decreased NBT reduction of neutrophils was seen in COPD subjects compared to normal healthy controls (P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that there is phagocytic dysfunction in COPD subjects when compared with normal subjects. This could be due to underlying inflammation in human airway. Understanding the role of neutrophils may lead to improved understanding of the pathogenesis of COPD, which in turn may pave way for implementing modified therapeutic intervention strategies.