Low Plasma Vitamin D as a Predictor of Uterine Fibroids in a Nigerian Population

Karima Abubakar Tunau, Jamila Abubakar Garba, A Panti, Constance Egondu Shehu, Aisha Adamu, M. Abdulrahman, Mohammad Kaoje Ahmad
In: Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal · 2021 · vol. 28(3) , pp. 181–186 · doi:10.4103/npmj.npmj_495_21 · PMID:34708704 · W3208783485
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This study found that Nigerian women with uterine fibroids had significantly lower plasma vitamin D levels compared to controls, suggesting low vitamin D is a predictor of uterine fibroids.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroid is the most common benign tumour of the uterus and the exact cause is unknown. Vitamin D has been found to inhibit cell proliferation and enhance apoptosis in vitro. AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the plasma level of Vitamin D among women with uterine fibroids and those without uterine fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among women with uterine fibroids and those without uterine fibroids. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information. Five millilitres of venous blood was obtained for plasma Vitamin D assay. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS version 22. Level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There were 100 participants recruited for the study. The mean age of the participants with uterine fibroid was 35.06 ± 6.6 years and that of controls was 33.28 ± 7 years. The mean plasma level of Vitamin D for all the participants was 12.47 ± 7.53 ng/ml. The mean plasma level of Vitamin D in those with uterine fibroids was significantly lower than in those without uterine fibroid (10.16 ± 7.78 vs. 14.35 ± 6.8; t = 2.517, P = 0.014). It also shows that 1 unit increase in Vitamin D level will reduce the risk of developing uterine fibroids by 8% (odds ratio = 0.92, 95% confidence interval = 0.86-0.99). CONCLUSION: The predictors of uterine fibroids were fewer hours spent outdoors, middle social class and low Vitamin D levels.

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