Historically, vitamin D has been considered to play a role solely in bone and calcium metabolism. Numerous studies have suggested a link between vitamin D deficiency and adverse health outcomes such as malignancy, cardiovascular disease, immune functioning, and glucose metabolism. In the obstetrics literature, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and increased rate of cesarean section rate. Recent data from retrospective chart reviews have demonstrated a possible role of vitamin D in implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization. Patients found to be deficient in vitamin D were found to have significantly lower clinical pregnancy rates when compared to patients who were replete in vitamin D levels. Currently, there are no prospective clinical trials investigating the effects of vitamin D supplementation on IVF outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rates. The investigators hypothesize that the vitamin D supplementation in patients found to be either deficient or insufficient in vitamin D will lead to improved pregnancy rates in infertility patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization.
The trial will not pay for or subsidize for IVF treatment. Participants will receive blood Vitamin D screening test and any necessary supplements free of charge.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
102
Northwestern Memorial Faculty Foundation
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Clinical pregnancy rate
Serum hCG will be drawn per routine IVF protocol (\~ 10 days after embryo transfer). Patients will have a repeat bHCG drawn 48hrs if they have a positive result from the first bHCG test. Clinical pregnancy will be defined as ultrasound documentation of fetal heart tones.
Time frame: assessed at conclusion of the study (~ 1 yr)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.