The Groningen assisted reproductive technologies cohort study: developmental status and behavior at 2 years

Intelligence, motoric and psychological outcomes in children from different ART treatments: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Subtle abnormalities in children's intelligence, motor skills, and psychology from various assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs) might be underdiagnosed. Understanding the prognosis of intelligence, motor skills, and psychology in children from ART would provide parents with reasonable expectations and enable them to plan relevant support to achieve the optimum potential in ART children.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases until April 13, 2021, to identify relevant studies. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis employed a standardized mean difference model. The outcome of this study is to compare intelligence quotient (IQ), motoric ability, and behavioral problems between all ARTs, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to naturally conceived (NC) children. Subdomains of intelligence based on the Cattell, Horn, and Carroll Model (CHC Model) of cognitive architecture, including fluid reasoning, short-term and working memory, processing speed, visual-spatial ability, long-term memory retrieval, and crystalized intelligence (knowledge), were evaluated and summarized in details. Motor skill was stratified into two domains: gross motoric and fine motoric. Behavioral problem was categorized as externalizing and internalizing behavior.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis showed that verbal intelligence score in IVF toddlers is significantly lower than NC toddlers (p = 0.02); conversely, ICSI toddlers scored significantly higher verbal intelligence score compared to NC toddlers (p = 0.005). Toddlers born after ART had significantly lower non-verbal intelligence score (p = 0.047). IVF toddlers scored significantly lower fine motor score (p = 0.01) compared to naturally conceived toddlers. Based on parent's CBCL, NC toddlers had higher total (p = 0.01) and externalizing behavior (p = 0.001) scores  compared to ART toddlers. Evaluation of full scale IQ and all domains of intelligence in preschool and primary school children revealed that no significant differences exist between ART and NC children. Based on preschool and primary school parents' CBCL, IVF children had significantly lower externalizing behavior score compared to NC children (p = 0.04). Meta-analyses of studies on young adolescents revealed that ART young adolescents scored higher academically than their NC counterparts, including on mathematics (p < 0.00001) and reading or language (p < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite differences in certain aspects, this finding suggests that ART is unlikely to cause negative impacts on children's neurodevelopment.

Effect of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) and pregnancy planning on Bayley-III Screening Test subscales in preterm infants at 12 months of corrected age: a cross-sectional study

Background

The association between medically assisted reproduction and pregnancy planning on overall developmental outcomes of infants has been studied in relatively few studies. The availability of accurate tools for the early detection of developmental delays is a major issue. The purpose of this study is describing the average neurodevelopment of preterm infants and assessing the association between medically assisted reproduction, pregnancy planning and neurodevelopmental outcomes among Hungarian preterm infants.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of preterm infants with gestational age < 37 weeks (N = 171) who underwent developmental assessment using Bayley-III Screening Test (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test – Third Edition) in five developmental domains (cognitive, receptive and expressive language, fine and gross motor) at 12 months of corrected age. We examined the developmental pattern of infants and the potential associations between medically assisted reproduction, pregnancy planning and Bayley-III Screening Test subscales. Information on the mode of conception and pregnancy planning was obtained through parental anamnesis.

Results

Concerning the risk for developmental delay, the language and motor subscales were the most affected. Examination of the mode of conception and developmental outcomes revealed higher neurodevelopmental skills in infants who were conceived through medically assisted reproduction. Significantly lower cognitive, receptive and expressive language skills were found to be associated with unplanned pregnancies. Multi-way analysis of variance was conducted in order to assess the impact of the mode of conception and pregnancy planning on subscales.

Conclusions

We cannot unambiguously conclude that MAR and pregnancy planning had a solely positive effect on the development of preterm infants at 12 months of corrected age, but our results are vital for the design and implementation of further research.

Neurological condition assessed with the Hempel examination and cognition and behaviour at 4years

AIM

To investigate associations between neurological condition, assessed with the Hempel examination, in terms of minor neurological dysfunction (MND) and neurological optimality, and cognition and behaviour at 4years.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional analyses within a prospective, assessor-blinded follow-up study.

SUBJECTS

Four-year-old singletons born to subfertile parents (n=235; 120 boys).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome parameters were complex minor neurological dysfunction (complex MND) and the neurological optimality score (NOS). Cognitive outcome was evaluated with the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, resulting in a total intelligence quotient (IQ). Behavioural outcome was evaluated with the Child Behavior Checklist, resulting in a total problem T-score.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven (24.3%) children had complex MND. None of the children showed fine motor dysfunction, suggesting a ceiling effect of the Hempel assessment. Complex MND was not correlated with IQ or total problem T-score. Nevertheless, a higher NOS was correlated with a higher IQ and a lower total problem T-score (adjusted mean estimate [95% confidence interval]: cognition: 0.445 [0.026; 0.865], p=0.038; behaviour: -0.458 [-0.830; -0.087], p=0.016).

INTERPRETATION

At age 4, complex MND assessed with the Hempel assessment was not associated with cognition and behaviour, presumably due to a ceiling effect in the Hempel domain of fine motor function. A more optimal neurological condition was associated with higher IQ and better behaviour.

Predictive value of general movements' quality in low-risk infants for minor neurological dysfunction and behavioural problems at preschool age

BACKGROUND

General movement (GM) assessment is a well-established tool to predict cerebral palsy in high-risk infants. Little is known on the predictive value of GM assessment in low-risk populations.

AIMS

To assess the predictive value of GM quality in early infancy for the development of the clinically relevant form of minor neurological dysfunction (complex MND) and behavioral problems at preschool age.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS

A total of 216 members of the prospective Groningen Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) cohort study were included in this study. ART did not affect neurodevelopmental outcome of these relatively low-risk infants born to subfertile parents.

OUTCOME MEASURES

GM quality was determined at 2 weeks and 3 months. At 18 months and 4 years, the Hempel neurological examination was used to assess MND. At 4 years, parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist; this resulted in the total problem score (TPS), internalizing problem score (IPS), and externalizing problem score (EPS). Predictive values of definitely (DA) and mildly (MA) abnormal GMs were calculated.

RESULTS

DA GMs at 2 weeks were associated with complex MND at 18 months and atypical TPS and IPS at 4 years (all p<0.05). Sensitivity and positive predictive value of DA GMs at 2 weeks were rather low (13%-60%); specificity and negative predictive value were excellent (92%-99%). DA GMs at 3 months occurred too infrequently to calculate prediction. MA GMs were not associated with outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

GM quality as a single predictor for complex MND and behavioral problems at preschool age has limited clinical value in children at low risk for developmental disorders.

Dysmorphic features and developmental outcome of 2-year-old children

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the associations between dysmorphic features and neurological, mental, psychomotor, and behavioural development in order to improve our understanding of aetiological pathways leading to minor developmental problems.

METHOD

In our cross-sectional study, 272 generally healthy 2-year-olds (143 males, 129 females; median gestational age 39 weeks, [range 30-43wks]), born after a parental history of subfertility either with or without fertility treatment, were examined. Dysmorphic features were classified as abnormalities (clinically relevant or not), minor anomalies, or common variants according to Merks' classification system. Hempel's neurological assessment resulted in a neurological optimality score (NOS) and fluency score. Mental and psychomotor development were assessed with the Dutch version of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and behavioural development with the Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist.

RESULTS

Of the different types of dysmorphic feature, clinically relevant abnormalities were most strongly associated with a lower NOS (difference -2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.23 to -0.83) and fluency score (difference -0.62, 95% CI -1.1 to -0.15). The presence of one or more abnormalities (clinically relevant or not) or one or more common variants was significantly associated with a lower NOS, and the presence of three or more minor anomalies was associated with lower fluency scores. Dysmorphic features were not associated with mental, psychomotor, or behavioural development.

INTERPRETATION

As dysmorphic features originate during the first trimester of pregnancy, the association between dysmorphic features and minor alterations in neurodevelopment may suggest an early ontogenetic origin of subtle neurological deviations.

In vitro fertilization and late preterm preschoolers' neuropsychological outcomes: the PETIT study

OBJECTIVE

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is considered a generally safe procedure, although associated with a higher incidence of preterm birth. The literature is inconsistent about the psychological impact of IVF, and we found no reports about outcome in late preterm (LPT) children. Our objective was to study neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes in a cohort of preschoolers born LPT between 2004 and 2007.

STUDY DESIGN

Participants were 397 LPT children (mean age, 3.8 years) conceived assisted by IVF (n = 105) or non-IVF (n = 292). Standardized performance-based tests of general conceptual ability (intelligence quotient), executive function, focused/selective attention, visual-spatial perception, visual-motor skill, manual dexterity, learning, and memory were administered. Parents completed behavioral and executive function questionnaires.

RESULTS

IVF group characteristics included older maternal age (P < .001), lower birthweight (P < .001), and higher maternal education (P < .001). No main-effect significant group differences were found for any variable after controlling for these variables. However, sex differences were demonstrated for the neuropsychological variables in copying (P > .001), nonverbal reasoning (P = .001), manual dexterity (P = .001), and inhibitory capacity (P = .006), all favoring girls.

CONCLUSION

Birth following IVF-assisted conception did not increase the risk of intellectual, neuropsychological, or behavioral deficit in LPT preschoolers. As shown in earlier gestational-age participants, girls have selective advantages. These findings should be reassuring for parents who conceive through IVF and deliver infants 1-3 weeks before term gestational age. Future study of these children at elementary school age may detect subtle impairments not yet apparent at age 3 years.

Assisted reproduction and child neurodevelopmental outcomes: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the existing literature on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born after medically assisted reproduction compared with those of children born after spontaneous conception.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

Children born after medically assisted reproduction vs. reference groups of spontaneously conceived children.

INTERVENTION(S)

Data were reviewed from worldwide published articles, without restrictions as to publication year or language. A total of 80 studies included between 31 and 2,446,044 children.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Child neurodevelopmental outcomes categorized as cognitive, behavioral, emotional or psychomotor development, or diagnoses of mental disorders.

RESULT(S)

For infants, studies on psychomotor development showed no deficits, but few investigated cognitive or behavioral development. Studies on toddlers generally reported normal cognitive, behavioral, socio-emotional, and psychomotor development. For children in middle childhood, development seems comparable in children born after assisted reproduction and controls, although fewer studies have been conducted with follow-up to this age. Very few studies have assessed neurodevelopmental outcomes among teens, and the results are inconclusive. Studies investigating the risk of diagnoses of mental disorders are generally large, with long follow-up, but the results are inconsistent.

CONCLUSION(S)

It may tentatively be concluded that the neurodevelopment of children born after fertility treatment is overall comparable to that in children born after spontaneous conception.

The longer-term health outcomes for children born as a result of IVF treatment. Part II--Mental health and development outcomes

BACKGROUND Limited data exist with regard to longer-term mental health and psychological functioning of children born from IVF treatment. With the known adverse perinatal outcome for children born from IVF treatment, it would be expected that there is a negative impact upon their mental development. METHODS A search strategy restricted to studies relating to the medical condition of children of at least 1 year of age, born from IVF treatment was performed to include case series, data linkage and prospective studies published from 1 January 2000 to 1 April 2012. RESULTS Limited long-term follow-up data suggest that there is an increase in the incidence of cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental delay related to the confounders of prematurity and low birthweight. Previous reports of associations with autism and attention-deficit disorder are believed to be related to maternal and obstetric factors. There exists a potential increase in the prevalence of early adulthood clinical depression and binge drinking in the offspring of IVF, with the reassuring data of no changes with respect to cognitive development, school performance, social functioning and behaviour. Whether these potential associations are related to the IVF treatment, the adverse obstetric outcomes associated with IVF treatment, the genetic or subsequent environmental influences on the children is yet to be determined. CONCLUSIONS In general, the longer-term mental and emotional health outcome for children born from IVF treatment is reassuring, and is very similar to that of naturally conceived children; however, further studies are required to explore any association with depression, and its causality in more detail.

Effects of pregnancy planning, fertility, and assisted reproductive treatment on child behavioral problems at 5 and 7 years: evidence from the Millennium Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of pregnancy planning, time to conception (TTC), and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) on child behavior.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 12,380 singletons recruited at 9 months and followed-up at 5 and 7 years. Conceptions were divided into "unplanned" (unplanned, unhappy), "mistimed" (unplanned, happy), "planned" (planned, TTC <12 months), "subfertile" (planned, TTC ≥ 12 months), "ovulation induced" (received clomiphene citrate), and "ART" (IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Child behavior (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ]).

RESULT(S)

Mistimed and unplanned children had higher average SDQ scores at age 5 and 7 years and were significantly more likely to have a clinically relevant behavioral problem compared with the planned group. The ART children had significantly higher average SDQ scores at both 5 and 7 years compared with the planned group. An increase in clinically relevant behavioral problems was observed at 5 years (odds ratio 2.05 [95% confidence interval 0.96, 4.42]) but failed to reach statistical significance. No effects were observed in the subfertile and ovulation-induced groups.

CONCLUSION(S)

Unplanned and mistimed children exhibit more behavioral problems than their planned peers. Though ART children have higher mean total difficulties scores, this did not translate into a statistically significant increase in clinically relevant behavioral problems.

Comparison of naturally conceived and IVF-DZ twins in the Netherlands Twin Registry: a developmental study

In a large set of twin pairs, we compared twins born after IVF to naturally conceived twins with respect to birth characteristics, growth, attainment of motor milestones, and emotional and behavioral problems. Twin families were registered with the Netherlands Twin Register. We included 1534 dizygotic (DZ) twins born after IVF, 5315 naturally conceived (NC) DZ twins, and 1504 control NC DZ twins who were matched to the IVF twins based on maternal age, maternal educational level, smoking during pregnancy, gestational age, and offspring sex. Data were obtained by longitudinal surveys sent to fathers, mothers, and teachers at ages 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, and 12 years. Results showed no differences in growth, in attainment of motor milestones, and in behavioral development between IVF and matched NC twins. It can be concluded that for nearly all aspects, development in IVF and NC children is similar.