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Chin PY, Chan HY, Kieffer TEC, Prins JR, Russell DL, Davies MJ, Robertson SA. Clomiphene Citrate Administered in Periconception Phase Causes Fetal Loss and Developmental Impairment in Mice. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae047. [PMID: 38608138 PMCID: PMC11197002 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Clomiphene citrate is a common treatment for ovulation induction in subfertile women, but its use is associated with elevated risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and birth defects. To investigate the biological plausibility of a causal relationship, this study investigated the consequences in mice for fetal development and pregnancy outcome of periconception clomiphene citrate administration at doses approximating human exposures. A dose-dependent adverse effect of clomiphene citrate given twice in the 36 hours after mating was seen, with a moderate dose of 0.75 mg/kg sufficient to cause altered reproductive outcomes in 3 independent cohorts. Viable pregnancy was reduced by 30%, late gestation fetal weight was reduced by 16%, and ∼30% of fetuses exhibited delayed development and/or congenital abnormalities not seen in control dams, including defects of the lung, kidney, liver, eye, skin, limbs, and umbilicus. Clomiphene citrate also caused a 30-hour average delay in time of birth, and elevated rate of pup death in the early postnatal phase. In surviving offspring, growth trajectory tracking and body morphometry analysis at 20 weeks of age showed postweaning growth and development similar to controls. A dysregulated inflammatory response in the endometrium was observed and may contribute to the underlying pathophysiological mechanism. These results demonstrate that in utero exposure to clomiphene citrate during early pregnancy can compromise implantation and impact fetal growth and development, causing adverse perinatal outcomes. The findings raise the prospect of similar iatrogenic effects in women where clomiphene citrate may be present in the periconception phase unless its use is well-supervised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peck Y Chin
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Hon Yeung Chan
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Tom E C Kieffer
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Darryl L Russell
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Michael J Davies
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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Franz-Odendaal TA, Bezuhly M. Clomiphene Citrate and Enclomiphene Hydrochloride Exposure Is Associated With Interfrontal Suture Fusion in Zebrafish. Plast Surg (Oakv) 2023; 31:383-389. [PMID: 37915340 PMCID: PMC10617459 DOI: 10.1177/22925503211057526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The last several decades have witnessed an increase in metopic craniosynostosis incidence. Population-based studies suggest that pharmacological exposure in utero may be responsible. This study examined effects of the fertility drug clomiphene citrate (CC) on calvarial development in an established model for craniofacial development, the zebrafish Danio rerio. Results: Zebrafish larvae were exposed to clomiphene citrate or its isomer enclomiphene for five days at key points during calvarial development. Larvae were then raised to adulthood in normal rearing water. Zebrafish were analyzed using whole-mount skeletal staining. We observed differential effects on survivability, growth and suture formation depending on the treatment. Treatments with CC or enclomiphene at 5.5 mm SL led to increased fusion of the interfrontal suture (p < .01) compared to controls. Conclusions: Exposure to fertility drugs appears to affect development of the cranial vault, specifically the interfrontal suture, in zebrafish. Further research is required to identify the signaling mechanisms at play. This work suggests that fertility drug treatment may contribute to the increased incidence of metopic craniosynostosis observed globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara A. Franz-Odendaal
- Department of Biology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michael Bezuhly
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Kettner LO, Matthiesen NB, Ramlau-Hansen CH, Kesmodel US, Henriksen TB. Fertility treatment with clomiphene citrate and childhood epilepsy: a nationwide cohort study. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2567-2575. [PMID: 34128056 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is fertility treatment with clomiphene citrate associated with an increased risk of childhood epilepsy, including specific subtypes of epilepsy? SUMMARY ANSWER Fertility treatment with clomiphene citrate may be associated with a small increased risk of idiopathic generalized epilepsy and focal epilepsy in childhood. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Clomiphene citrate is among the most commonly prescribed drugs for fertility treatment. However, concerns have been raised as to whether the treatment may harm the developing fetus. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This nationwide cohort study included all pregnancies in Denmark from 1 July 1995 resulting in a live-born singleton child before 31 December 2013. The children were followed until 31 December 2016. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Children conceived after fertility treatment with clomiphene citrate were identified from the Danish National Prescription Registry. The primary outcomes were childhood epilepsy, idiopathic generalized epilepsy, and focal epilepsy identified from the Danish National Patient Register and from antiepileptic drug prescriptions in the Danish National Prescription Registry. All analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazards regression. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 1 081 291 pregnancies were included; 12 644 children (1.2%) developed epilepsy. Fertility treatment with clomiphene citrate was associated with a small increased risk of childhood epilepsy (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00-1.22), idiopathic generalized epilepsy (HR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.16-1.72), and focal epilepsy (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04-1.53). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The increased risk of idiopathic generalized epilepsy may be due to confounding from time stable parental characteristics related to treatment with clomiphene citrate, since the association was strongest with the lowest administered dosage of clomiphene citrate prior to conception, and the association disappeared in a sibling analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The increased risk of focal epilepsy may be related to the hormonal treatment, since the association tended to increase with increasing cumulative dosage of clomiphene citrate prior to conception, and the association persisted in a sibling analysis. This finding may be of clinical importance, since alternative hormones are available for fertility treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Financial support from Aarhus University and the Aase and Ejnar Danielsen Foundation. U.S.K. received personal teaching fees from Merck, outside the submitted work. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O Kettner
- Department of Pediatrics, Regions Hospital Randers, Randers, Denmark.,Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit and Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - N B Matthiesen
- Department of Pediatrics, Regions Hospital Randers, Randers, Denmark.,Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit and Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - C H Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - U S Kesmodel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - T B Henriksen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit and Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Abstract
Clomiphene citrate (CC) is the oldest drug used to regulate the process of ovulation. Considering the great use of CC over the last 40 years, it is important to understand the possible risks associated with its use. The aim of this review was to evaluate the possible teratogenic effects of CC, analyzing results obtained from animal and human studies. The pharmacokinetics of CC and possible mechanisms involved in teratogenesis are examined. Fetal exposure to CC is possible due to the long half-life of CC and its metabolites. Alarming data have emerged from animal studies, although controversial results come from human studies. There is some evidence regarding a possible association of CC exposure and fetal malformations, mainly neural tube defects and hypospadias, which would require further investigation in order to allow safer use of this useful drug.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility treatment includes hormonal stimulation of the woman and in vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos that may influence prenatal brain development. We aimed to investigate the association between fertility treatment and childhood epilepsy, including specific types of treatment and indications, as well as subtypes of epilepsy. METHODS In this nationwide birth cohort study, we included all pregnancies in Denmark resulting in live-born singletons, 1995-2003. Children conceived by fertility treatment and children developing epilepsy (until 2013) were identified from Danish national registers. RESULTS A total of 565,116 pregnancies were included; 8,071 children (1.4%) developed epilepsy. Children conceived after ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination had a slightly higher risk of childhood epilepsy (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00, 1.31). The association was more pronounced for the subtypes idiopathic generalized and focal epilepsy. Regarding the specific hormonal treatments, only clomiphene citrate was associated with an increased risk of childhood epilepsy, also in a sibling analysis (HR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.08). In vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection was not associated with an overall increased risk of childhood epilepsy but with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (HR: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.99, 2.05). No clear associations were seen regarding other treatment types or indications. CONCLUSIONS Children conceived by ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination with clomiphene citrate may be at slightly increased risk of childhood epilepsy. Furthermore, children conceived by in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection may be at slightly increased risk of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
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Reefhuis J, Honein MA, Schieve LA, Rasmussen SA. Use of clomiphene citrate and birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2005. Hum Reprod 2010; 26:451-7. [PMID: 21112952 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clomiphene citrate (CC) is the first line drug for subfertility treatment. Studies assessing the association between CC and birth defects have been inconclusive. METHODS We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a population-based, multi-site case-control study of major birth defects. Women from 10 US regions with deliveries affected by at least one of >30 birth defects (cases) and mothers of live born infants without a major birth defect (controls) who delivered October 1997-December 2005 were interviewed. The exposure of interest was reported CC use in the period from 2 months before conception through the first month of pregnancy. Women who conceived using assisted reproductive technology were excluded. Thirty-six birth defect categories with at least three exposed cases were studied. Multiple logistic regression was used to control for potential confounders. RESULTS CC use was reported by 1.4% of control mothers (94/6500). Among 36 case-groups assessed, increased adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were found [all: aOR, 95% confidence interval (CI)] for anencephaly (2.3, 1.1-4.7), Dandy-Walker malformation (4.4, 1.7-11.6), septal heart defects (1.6, 1.1-2.2), muscular ventricular septal defect (4.9, 1.4-16.8), coarctation of aorta (1.8, 1.1-3.0), esophageal atresia (2.3, 1.3-4.0), cloacal exstrophy (5.4, 1.6-19.3), craniosynostosis (1.9, 1.2-3.0) and omphalocele (2.2, 1.1-4.5). CONCLUSIONS Several associations between CC use and birth defects were observed. However, because of the small number of cases, inconsistency of some findings with previous reports, and the fact that we cannot assess the CC effect separately from that of the subfertility, these associations should be interpreted cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Reefhuis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS E-86, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Limb-body wall complex with craniofacial defects after ovarian stimulation. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 47:474-5. [PMID: 19126523 DOI: 10.1016/s1028-4559(09)60024-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Forman R, Gill S, Moretti M, Tulandi T, Koren G, Casper R. Fetal Safety of Letrozole and Clomiphene Citrate for Ovulation Induction. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2007; 29:668-71. [PMID: 17714621 DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)32551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Forman
- Toronto Centre for Advancing Reproduction Technology, Toronto ON, Canada
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de Ziegler D, Mattenberger C, Luyet C, Romoscanu I, Irion NF, Bianchi-Demicheli F. Clinical use of aromatase inhibitors (AI) in premenopausal women. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 95:121-7. [PMID: 16002281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors (AI) block the last enzymatic step of estrogen production, the aromatization of the A-cycle of aromatizable androgens and particularly, androstenedione (delta4) and testosterone (T). Molecules designed for interfering with aromatase activity have existed for many years. Yet the activity of products of the aminogluthetimide era was unspecific and these substances carried too many side effects for being used clinically. Newer third generation AIs, however, are highly specific and essentially devoid of side effects. These molecules have recently been approved for treating breast cancer in postmenopausal women either, in advanced forms or, as part of adjuvant therapy. In women whose ovaries are active, a temporary inhibition of E2 production will raise gonadotropins and in turn, stimulate follicular growth. In cancer patients, this property precludes the use of AIs in women whose ovaries are still active, unless gonadotropins are blocked. But in infertility patients, this property of AIs has been put to play for inducing ovulation. AIs have been used both in women who do not ovulate but whose hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is active (oligo-anovulators of PCOD type) and those who ovulate regularly but in whom multiple ovulation is sought for treating unexplained infertility or as part of IVF. Like clomiphene citrate (CC), AIs are not usable in women whose gonadotropins are suppressed, as in the case of hypothalamic amenorrhea. The sum of data available on the use of AI for inducing ovulation remains however meager to this date and is mainly constituted of pilot and non-randomized trials. Yet mounting evidence tends to support AIs' advantages over CC for induction of ovulation. Hence, we think that the likelihood that these drugs will play a key role in induction of ovulation in the future is high. AIs appear particularly interesting for treating unexplained infertility because AI-FSH/hMG regimens are lighter than FSH-only regimens while retaining the high pregnancy rates of these latter treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique de Ziegler
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Mattenberg C, Fondop JJ, Romoscanu I, Luyet C, Bianchi-Demicheli F, de Ziegler D. [Use of aromatase inhibitors in infertile women]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 33:348-55. [PMID: 15908255 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2005.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2004] [Accepted: 03/30/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors (AI) block the last enzymatic step of estrogen production, the aromatization of the A-cycle of aromatizable androgens and particularly, androstenedione (D4) and testosterone (T). Molecules designed for interfering with aromatase activity have existed for many years. Yet the activity of products of the aminogluthetimide era was too unspecific and these substances carried too many side effects for being used clinically. Today, however, 3rd generation AIs have become available that are highly specific and essentially devoid of side effects. These molecules have recently been approved for treating breast cancer in post-menopausal women, either in advanced forms, or as part of adjuvant therapy. In women whose ovaries are active, a temporary inhibition of E2 production will activate gonadotropins and in turn, stimulate follicular growth. In cancer patients, this property precludes the use of AIs in women whose ovaries are still active, unless gonadotropins are blocked. In infertile patients, this property of AIs has been put to play for inducing ovulation. AIs have been used both in women who do not ovulate but whose hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is active (oligo-anovulators of PCOD type) and in those who ovulate regularly but in whom multiple ovulation is sought for treating infertility or as part of IVF. Like CC, AIs are not usable in women whose gonadotropins are suppressed, as in the case of hypothalamic amenorrhea. The sum of data available on the use of AI for inducing ovulation remains however meager to this date and is mainly constituted of pilot and non-randomized trials. Yet mounting evidence tends to support AIs' advantages over CC for induction of ovulation. Hence, we think that these drugs will play a key role for the induction of ovulation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mattenberg
- Service de médecine et endocrinologie de la reproduction, département de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, 30, boulevard de la Cluse, 1211 Genève, Suisse
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Greenland S, Ackerman DL. Clomiphene citrate and neural tube defects: a pooled analysis of controlled epidemiologic studies and recommendations for future studies. Fertil Steril 1995; 64:936-41. [PMID: 7589637 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)57905-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the degree to which neural tube defects (NTDs) are associated with periconceptional clomiphene citrate (CC) exposure in controlled epidemiologic studies, to investigate the consistency of study findings with respect to this association, and to identify key problems that future studies should address. DESIGN Pooled analysis of 10 epidemiologic studies. SETTINGS Hospitals and clinics. PATIENTS Women undergoing treatment for infertility. INTERVENTIONS Oral administration of CC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Prevalence ratio for NTDs. RESULTS Ten controlled epidemiologic studies were identified that supplied sufficient data on CC and NTDs for inclusion. The estimated ratio of NTD prevalence among CC-exposed versus unexposed pregnancies ranged from 0.55 to 5.73 among the studies, but the variation was compatible with random fluctuation. The estimated summary prevalence ratio was 1.08, with 95% confidence limits of 0.76 and 1.51. CONCLUSION This analysis indicates that an elevation in NTD risk due to CC cannot be ruled out, but any such elevation seems likely to be less than twofold, and there may be no elevation at all. Future studies should be designed to avoid several methodological problems not addressed in studies to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Greenland
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, USA
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Czeizel AE, Métneki J, Dudás I. The higher rate of multiple births after periconceptional multivitamin supplementation: an analysis of causes. ACTA GENETICAE MEDICAE ET GEMELLOLOGIAE 1994; 43:175-84. [PMID: 8588492 DOI: 10.1017/s0001566000001938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A randomized controlled trial of periconceptional multivitamin supplementation (including 0.8 mg folic acid--see the Materials and Methods section for the precise composition of the multivitamin and trace-element supplementation) was carried out for at least 28 days before conception. The trial was continued until at least until the second missed menstrual period to test the effectiveness of this new primary preventive method in the reduction of neural tube defects. However, other pregnancy outcomes were also evaluated. Of a total of 5,502 pregnant women, 4,846 births were analysed in the final data base. The rate of multiple births was significantly higher in the multivitamin group (3.8%) than in the placebo-like trace-element control group (2.7%), and in both groups exceeded the multiple birth rate of 2.2% in the Hungarian population at large. 7.3% of women in the multivitamin and 7.9% of women in the trace-element groups had received ovarian stimulation treatment (mainly clomiphene) for hormonal dysfunctions, eg. anovulation. Nonetheless, our study showed that periconceptional multivitamin supplementation, with or without ovarian stimulation, increases the rate of multiple births.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Czeizel
- Department of Human Genetics and Teratology, National Institute of Hygiene, Budapest, Hungary
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