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Faa G, Manchia M, Fanos V. Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A New Player in the Foetal Programming of Childhood and Adult Diseases? Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:329-338. [PMID: 38804372 PMCID: PMC11130896 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an emerging field in medicine that incorporates complex procedures and has profound ethical, moral, social, religious, and economic implications not just for the individuals who have access to this method but also for society. In this narrative review, we summarise multiple aspects of ART procedures and the possible consequences on the mother and newborn. Moreover, we provide an overview of the possible long-term consequences of ART procedures on the health of newborns, although longitudinal evidence is particularly scant. Users should be informed that ART procedures are not risk-free to prepare them for the possible negative outcomes that may occur in the perinatal period or even in childhood and adulthood. Indeed, risk estimates point to increased liability for major nonchromosomal birth defects; cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and urogenital (in male newborns) defects; and any other birth defects. Less certainty is present for the risk of neuropsychiatric sequelae in children conceived through ART. Thus, its application should be accompanied by adequate counselling and psychological support, possibly integrated into specific multidisciplinary clinical programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU Cagliari and Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
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2
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Schottler NI, Sutcliffe AG. Children born to subfertile couples, how are they doing? Evidence from research. Arch Dis Child 2024:archdischild-2023-326023. [PMID: 38589201 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
More than 10 million children have been born with assisted reproductive technology (ART) as we begin to enter the third generation of individuals conceived by ART. Here we summarise key messages from an enlarging body of literature regarding their health. Earlier research had pointed towards increases in perinatal, neonatal and neurological risks, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, congenital malformations and cerebral palsy. Many of these risks have continued to persist in most recent work but have shown reduction. Newer research proposes long-term cardiometabolic and endocrine concerns. Fortunately, most reports conclude there is little or no risk of increased childhood malignancy or abnormal neurodevelopment. Moving forward, new research may benefit from changes in comparator groups and a better understanding of infertility per se in ART, and the confounding role it probably plays in many of the known risk associations, to reliably scan the horizon for health threats for individuals born after ART.
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Cavero-Ibiricu A, Canelas-Fernández J, Gómez-Acebo I, Alonso-Molero J, Martínez-Jiménez D, Llorca J, Cabero-Perez MJ, Dierssen-Sotos T. Association Between Assisted Reproductive Technology and Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-Analysis. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 152:115-124. [PMID: 38244531 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 1978 many children are born thanks to assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, the long-term effects of these therapies are still not fully known. Our objective is to evaluate the risk of cerebral palsy (CP) after ART compared with that in those spontaneously conceived (SC) and to examine this risk in single, multiple, and preterm births and the evolution of the risk over the years. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched until December 2022. Studies were included if they studied CP cases in children born through ART. 16 studies were finally selected. Quality of studies was assessed using Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Pooled OR was estimated by weighting individual OR/RR by the inverse of their variance. A random-effect model was applied. To assess the causes of heterogeneity, we performed meta-regression analyses. RESULTS A significantly high risk of CP was found (OR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.43) in children born through ART compared with those SC. This risk increased in singletons (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.79) but disappeared in multiple (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.18) and preterm births (OR = 1.09; 95% CI 0.87 to 1.37). We found a higher risk of CP in children born before the year 2000 (OR = 3.40; 95% CI 2.49 to 4.63). CONCLUSIONS ARTs slightly increase the risk of CP once the effect of multiple gestation is controlled. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the techniques themselves, fertility problems, or associated maternal comorbidities are responsible for this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Inés Gómez-Acebo
- Grupo de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; IDIVAL-Instituto de investigación sanitaria Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Jessica Alonso-Molero
- Grupo de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; IDIVAL-Instituto de investigación sanitaria Valdecilla, Santander, Spain.
| | | | - Javier Llorca
- Grupo de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Retired Professor, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - María J Cabero-Perez
- IDIVAL-Instituto de investigación sanitaria Valdecilla, Santander, Spain; Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Trinidad Dierssen-Sotos
- Grupo de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; IDIVAL-Instituto de investigación sanitaria Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
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Zhang S, Luo Q, Meng R, Yan J, Wu Y, Huang H. Long-term health risk of offspring born from assisted reproductive technologies. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:527-550. [PMID: 38146031 PMCID: PMC10957847 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02988-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the world's first in vitro fertilization baby was born in 1978, there have been more than 8 million children conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) worldwide, and a significant proportion of them have reached puberty or young adulthood. Many studies have found that ART increases the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, small size for gestational age, perinatal mortality, and congenital anomalies. However, data regarding the long-term outcomes of ART offspring are limited. According to the developmental origins of health and disease theory, adverse environments during early life stages may induce adaptive changes and subsequently result in an increased risk of diseases in later life. Increasing evidence also suggests that ART offspring are predisposed to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases, such as malignancies, asthma, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we summarize the risks for long-term health in ART offspring, discuss the underlying mechanisms, including underlying parental infertility, epigenetic alterations, non-physiological hormone levels, and placental dysfunction, and propose potential strategies to optimize the management of ART and health care of parents and children to eliminate the associated risks. Further ongoing follow-up and research are warranted to determine the effects of ART on the long-term health of ART offspring in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qinyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renyu Meng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yanting Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Research Unit of Embryo Original Diseases (No. 2019RU056), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, No. 419, Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Research Unit of Embryo Original Diseases (No. 2019RU056), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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Larsen ML, Hoei-Hansen CE, Rackauskaite G. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy in two Danish national registries: a validation study. Scand J Public Health 2024:14034948231219825. [PMID: 38179995 DOI: 10.1177/14034948231219825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the quality of prospectively collected data from the highly specialized Danish Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program (CPOP), and to establish the validity of a reported cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis in the Danish National Patient Registry (NPR), regularly used as a proxy for neurodevelopmental disorders in epidemiological research. METHODS We compared data from the two registries on children with registered CP, born in Denmark between 2008 and 2009, with information from medical records verified by two experienced physicians specializing in pediatric neurology. Data accuracy was estimated by completeness, correctness, and reliability. Completeness was calculated as the number of cases with correctly registered CP diagnoses divided by the total number of true CP diagnoses (similar to sensitivity). Correctness was calculated as the number of cases with correct registrations divided by the total number of cases (similar to positive predictive value). Reliability was estimated using kappa statistics. RESULTS Registered CP diagnoses in the CPOP had high accuracy, with 94% correctness and 91% completeness. Furthermore, most key variables in the CPOP showed excellent reliability, especially variables defining the severity of the condition. In the Danish NPR, only 225 of 348 children with a noted CP diagnosis fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for CP, resulting in 65% correctness. CONCLUSIONS Danish CPOP data are a valid source for epidemiological research. Conversely, a noted CP diagnosis in the Danish NPR was, at best, correct in only two out of three patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads L Larsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Christina E Hoei-Hansen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gija Rackauskaite
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
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Mizrak I, Lund MAV, Landgrebe AV, Asserhøj LL, Holstein-Rathlou NH, Greisen G, Clausen TD, Main KM, Vejlstrup NG, Jensen RB, Pinborg A, Madsen PL. Cardiovascular autonomic nervous function in children conceived by assisted reproductive technology with frozen or fresh embryo transfer. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H216-H222. [PMID: 37999646 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00680.2023] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
As a result of epigenetic changes, children conceived by assisted reproduction may be at risk of premature cardiovascular aging with notably increased blood pressures. Their cardiovascular autonomic nervous function is unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the cardiovascular autonomic nervous function in 8-12-yr-old children (51% girls) conceived naturally (n = 33) or by assisted reproduction with frozen (n = 34) or fresh (n = 38) embryo transfer by evaluating heart rate variability, during rest; from provocation maneuvers; and from baroreflex function. Heart rate and blood pressure response to provocation maneuvers and baroreflex function were comparable between children conceived naturally or by assisted reproduction. The mean RR-interval and high-frequency component of heart rate variability were lower in children conceived by assisted reproduction than in children conceived naturally. Children conceived by fresh embryo transfer had ∼17% lower heart rate-corrected standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals; ∼22% lower heart rate-corrected square root of the mean of the squared difference between successive R-R intervals; and ∼37% higher low-frequency/high-frequency ratio than naturally conceived children. Children conceived by assisted reproduction still had lower heart rate variability and vagal modulation than naturally conceived children after adjustment for confounders. Thus, these results raise the possibility of sympathetic predominance in children conceived by assisted reproduction. Therefore, it is important to reproduce these results in larger and older cohorts as sympathetic predominance relates with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We observed that children conceived by assisted reproductive technology (both frozen and fresh embryo transfer) had lowered heart rate variability during rest as compared with children conceived naturally. During physiological stress maneuvers, however, the cardiovascular autonomic nervous regulation was comparable between children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies and naturally. Our findings highlight the potential that lowered heart rate variability during rest in children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies may precede premature hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikram Mizrak
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten A V Lund
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann V Landgrebe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise L Asserhøj
- Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels-Henrik Holstein-Rathlou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gorm Greisen
- Department of Neonatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tine D Clausen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North Zealand Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels G Vejlstrup
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke B Jensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per L Madsen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Carlsen H, Vik T, Andersen GL, Stangenes K, Bjellmo S, Westvik‐Johari K, Hollung SJ. Cerebral palsy in children born after assisted reproductive technology in Norway: Risk, prevalence, and clinical characteristics. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2023; 102:1450-1458. [PMID: 37602751 PMCID: PMC10577620 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim was to investigate the risk, prevalence, and clinical characteristics of cerebral palsy among children born after assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Norway. MATERIAL AND METHODS All liveborn children from 2002 to 2015 were included. Information was collected from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, linked to the Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy as of December 31, 2022. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the prevalence of cerebral palsy per 1000 live births after ART and natural conception with birth year as covariate, crude odds ratios (OR) for cerebral palsy among children born after ART using children born after natural conception as reference, and OR adjusted for potential confounders, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential mediators of the association were studied in stratified analyses. Descriptive statistics were used to compare proportions in clinical characteristics among children with cerebral palsy born after ART and natural conception. RESULTS Among 833 645 livebirths, 23 645 children were born after ART and of the latter 97 were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The overall prevalence of cerebral palsy after ART was 4.10 per 1000 live births (95% CI 3.36-5.00), decreasing from 7.79 per 1000 in 2002 to 3.55 in 2015. Compared with children born after natural conception, the OR for cerebral palsy was 2.01 (95% CI 1.63-2.47) adjusted for mother's age at birth, parity, and pre-pregnancy health. When restricted to singletons born at term, the adjusted OR for cerebral palsy was 1.13 (95% CI 0.76-1.69). The distribution of cerebral palsy subtypes and the severity of gross and fine motor function and associated impairments did not differ significantly between children with cerebral palsy born after ART and natural conception. CONCLUSIONS Children born after ART had a risk of cerebral palsy that was twice that of children born after natural conception. The increased risk of cerebral palsy after ART is likely attributed to multiple pregnancies and preterm births. The prevalence of cerebral palsy after ART decreased significantly during the study period, despite an increased use of ART in the population. The distribution of clinical characteristics did not differ between children with cerebral palsy born after ART and those born after a natural conception, suggesting that the risk factors for, and causes of cerebral palsy were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Carlsen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Torstein Vik
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Guro L. Andersen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
- Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy (NorCP)Vestfold Hospital TrustTønsbergNorway
| | - Kristine Stangenes
- Department of Health Registry Research and DevelopmentNorwegian Institute of Public HealthBergenNorway
| | - Solveig Bjellmo
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHelse More og Romsdal HFAalesundNorway
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences AdministrationNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Kjersti Westvik‐Johari
- Department of Public Health and NursingNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Sandra Julsen Hollung
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
- Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy (NorCP)Vestfold Hospital TrustTønsbergNorway
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Jiang Y, Du Y, Su R, Zhou X, Wei L, Zhang J, Zhu S, Zhang H, Fang C, Chen Y, Gao P, Zhang L, Wang S, Yu J, He M, Ding W, Feng L. Long-term outcomes of offspring from multiple gestations: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study on multi-system diseases using UK Biobank and FinnGen databases. J Transl Med 2023; 21:608. [PMID: 37684631 PMCID: PMC10492369 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04423-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have increased the incidence of multiple births, which can have a negative impact on maternal and offspring health. The study aimed to investigate the association between genetically predicted multiple birth and the risk of 42 common diseases of the nervous, psychiatric, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and endocrine systems. METHODS The study utilized two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the potential causal relationship between genetically predicted multiple birth and the genetically predicted risk of diseases. The study used the FinnGen and UK Biobank datasets for analysis. RESULTS The study found no significant causal relationship between multiple birth and psychiatric disorders. However, the lower limits of the 95% confidence intervals for bipolar affective disorder and anxiety disorders were not robust, indicating a need for further investigation. The study found that multiple birth may be a strong risk factor for infantile cerebral palsy, and caution is necessary in both natural and ART multiple births. The study revealed a potential causal relationship between multiple birth and coronary heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and deep vein thrombosis, which may be related to abnormal intrauterine environments in multiple pregnancies. Surprisingly, multiple birth appears to have a protective effect against some respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the need for caution regarding the risk of infantile cerebral palsy, cardiovascular diseases, and psychiatric disorders in multiple birth. Our study can lead to the development of preventive strategies and improved clinical management for affected infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Lijie Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shenglan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Huiting Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Chenyun Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Liangnan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Shaoshuai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Mengzhou He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Wencheng Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Ling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Pinborg A, Wennerholm UB, Bergh C. Long-term outcomes for children conceived by assisted reproductive technology. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:449-456. [PMID: 37086833 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, more than 10 million children have been born after assisted reproduction technology (ART), comprising up to 7.9% of children born in Europe and up to 5.1 % of children born in the US in 2018. The short-term outcome for children born after ART is well-known from numerous publications, with higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in children born after fresh embryo transfer and higher rates of large for gestational age and high birth weight in children born after frozen embryo transfer compared with children born after spontaneous conception. Higher rates of birth defects in children born after ART have also been shown consistently over time. Studies on long-term health outcomes after ART are scarcer but suggest an increased risk of altered blood pressure and cardiovascular function in children born after ART. In this review, we summarize long-term health outcomes in children born after ART and discuss whether the increased health risks are associated with intrinsic maternal or paternal factors related to subfertility or ART treatments per se. Finally, we speculate where the future will bring us regarding ART treatment strategies and the safety of the mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pinborg
- Department of Fertility, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Instistute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Ginström Ernstad E, Hanson C, Wånggren K, Thurin-Kjellberg A, Hulthe Söderberg C, Syk Lundberg E, Petzold M, Wennerholm UB, Bergh C. Preimplantation genetic testing and child health: a national register-based study. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:739-750. [PMID: 36749096 PMCID: PMC10068295 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) associated with adverse perinatal outcome and early childhood health? SUMMARY ANSWER Children born after PGT had comparable perinatal outcomes to children born after IVF/ICSI and comparable findings regarding early childhood health. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PGT is offered to couples affected by monogenic disorders (PGT-M) or inherited chromosomal aberrations (PGT-SR), limiting the risk of transferring the disorder to the offspring. PGT, an invasive technique, requires genetic analysis of one or up to ten cells from the embryo and is combined with IVF or ICSI. Several studies, most of them small, have shown comparable results after PGT and IVF/ICSI concerning perinatal outcome. Only a few studies with limited samples have been published on PGT and childhood health. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a register-based study including all singletons born after PGT (n = 390) in Sweden during 1 January 1996-30 September 2019. Singletons born after PGT were compared with all singletons born after IVF/ICSI (n = 61 060) born during the same period of time and with a matched sample of singletons (n = 42 034) born after spontaneous conception selected from the Medical Birth Register. Perinatal outcomes, early childhood health, and maternal outcomes were compared between pregnancies after PGT and IVF/ICSI as well as between pregnancies after PGT and spontaneous conception. Primary outcomes were preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW) whereas childhood morbidity was the secondary outcome. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data on women who went through PGT and gave birth were obtained from the local databases at the two PGT centres in Sweden, whereas data on IVF treatment for the IVF/ICSI group were obtained from the national IVF registers. These data were then cross-linked to national health registers; the Medical Birth Register, the Patient Register, and the Cause of Death Register. Logistic multivariable regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were performed with adjustment for relevant confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The mean follow-up time was 4.6 years for children born after PGT and 5.1 years for children born after spontaneous conception, whereas the mean follow-up time was 9.0 years for children born after IVF/ICSI. For perinatal outcomes, PTB occurred in 7.7% of children after PGT and in 7.3% of children after IVF/ICSI, whereas the rates were 4.9% and 5.2% for LBW (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.22, 95% CI 0.82-1.81 and AOR 1.17, 95% CI 0.71-1.91, respectively). No differences were observed for birth defects. In comparison to spontaneous conception, children born after PGT had a higher risk for PTB (AOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.17-2.58). Regarding early childhood health, the absolute risk of asthma was 38/390 (9.7%) in children born after PGT and 6980/61 060 (11.4%) in children born after in IVF/ICSI, whereas the corresponding numbers were 34/390 (8.7%) and 7505/61 060 (12.3%) for allergic disorders. Following Cox proportional hazards models, no significant differences were found for these outcomes. Sepsis, hypothyroidism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy were diagnosed in a maximum of three PGT children. No PGT children died during the follow-up period. Regarding maternal outcomes, the rates of placenta praevia and caesarean delivery were significantly higher after PGT in comparison to spontaneous conception (AOR 6.46, 95% CI 3.38-12.37 and AOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.20-1.92, respectively), whereas no differences were seen comparing pregnancies after PGT and IVF/ICSI. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The rather small sample size of children born after PGT made it impossible to adjust for all relevant confounders including fertilization method and culture duration. Moreover, the follow-up time was short for most of the children especially in the PGT group, probably lowering the absolute number of diagnoses in early childhood. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results are reassuring and indicate that the embryo biopsy itself has no adverse effect on the perinatal, early childhood, or maternal outcomes. Although the results are comparable to IVF/ICSI also regarding early childhood outcome, they should be taken with caution due to the low number of children with diagnoses and short follow-up time. Long-term follow-up studies on children born after PGT are scarce and should be conducted considering the invasiveness of the technique. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was financed by grants from the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement (LUA/ALF 70940), the Board of National Specialised Medical Care at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Hjalmar Svensson Research Foundation. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Ginström Ernstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Charles Hanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kjell Wånggren
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Thurin-Kjellberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Elisabeth Syk Lundberg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Max Petzold
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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11
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Graham ME, Jelin A, Hoon AH, Wilms Floet AM, Levey E, Graham EM. Assisted reproductive technology: Short- and long-term outcomes. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023; 65:38-49. [PMID: 35851656 PMCID: PMC9809323 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes fertility treatment in which either eggs or embryos are handled outside a female's body to promote successful pregnancies and healthy offspring. Current ART procedures encompass in vitro fertilization with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The most common complication of ART is related to the consequences of multiple pregnancy, which can be prevented or minimized by reducing the number of embryos transferred to the uterus, commonly single embryo transfer. ART has been shown to be variably associated with adverse short- and long-term perinatal outcomes, including cerebral palsy, autism, neurodevelopmental imprinting disorders, and cancer. However, there is uncertainty as to whether reported problems are related to the ART procedure itself, to factors related to infertility, to other medical and environmental factors, or a combination thereof. From a pathophysiological perspective, whether ART alters epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression, leading to later developmental, medical, and behavioral disorders, is an area of active investigation. With the meticulously conducted short- and long-term outcome studies completed so far, overall, and after controlling for multiple gestations and preterm delivery, the results suggest that ART is a safe procedure, offering hope to many parent(s) wishing for a healthy child. This paper highlights ART methods and the risk factors and confounders in the interpretation of short- and long-term outcome data, providing the reader with a means to evaluate findings and conclusions of outcome studies. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a relatively safe procedure. Single embryo implantation optimizes outcome. Informed consent, including the risks and benefits of ART, should be required. Ongoing longitudinal studies are necessary to fully understand ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Elaine Graham
- College of Arts and Sciences, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA, USA
| | - Angie Jelin
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander H. Hoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Maria Wilms Floet
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA,Center for Development and Learning, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric Levey
- Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ernest M. Graham
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Neuroscience Intensive Care Nursery Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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De Neubourg D, Dancet EAF, Pinborg A. Single-embryo transfer implies quality of care in reproductive medicine. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:899-905. [PMID: 35927209 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This review appraises evidence on the difference between single- and double-embryo transfer (SET, DET) in assisted reproductive technology (ART) regarding the four healthcare quality dimensions most important to fertility patients and doctors. Regarding safety, not only does DET create the uncontested perinatal risks of twin pregnancies, but compelling evidence has added that singleton pregnancies after a vanishing twin also have poorer perinatal outcomes. SET is as effective as DET, as shown by meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, comparing two cycles of SET versus DET and shown by cumulative live birth rates of entire ART trajectories of up to six cycles. Proposing SET, which is safer than DET and as effective, as the gold standard is not irreconcilable with patient-centred care if patients are thoroughly informed on the reasoning behind the proposition and welcomed to challenge whether it fits their personal values. The cost-efficiency of SET is clearly higher, which has even induced certain countries to start reimbursing ART on the condition that SET is used. In conclusion, SET should be the gold standard offered to all patients. The question is not whether to apply SET but how to apply it in terms of patient selection, patient-centred counselling and coverage of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane De Neubourg
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Eline A F Dancet
- Leuven University Fertility Clinic - Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Gullo G, Scaglione M, Cucinella G, Perino A, Chiantera V, D'Anna R, Laganà AS, Buzzaccarini G. Impact of assisted reproduction techniques on the neuro-psycho-motor outcome of newborns: a critical appraisal. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:2583-2587. [PMID: 35959847 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2109953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Subfertility and infertility are common problems among couples of reproductive age, and they increasingly require the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Understandably, doubts about the safety of such methods are increasing among future parents. The purpose of this review is to analyse the real impact of ART, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), on the health of the unborn baby; in particular, this work is focussed on the problems related to the neuro-psycho-motor area. Twenty-four studies were reviewed and outcomes investigated were: risk of the onset of neurodevelopmental diseases, worsening of school cognitive performance and risk of developing infantile cerebral palsy (CP) or neurological sequelae. For the first two outcomes, we did not find a correlation with ART; nevertheless, the results of the included studies about risk of CP are discordant and influenced by various confounding factors, such as pre-term birth and multiple pregnancies.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are the main answer for achieving pregnancy in infertile couples. However, a wide number of studies have tried to focus on possible different outcomes in terms of maternal and foetal/new-born health. Regarding this scenario, a peculiar importance is given to diseases affecting the neuro-psycho-motor area of the new-born. Since this group of detrimental pathologies could heavily affect the new-born's quality of life and require costly social facilities, different studies have tried to focus on possible outcomes after ART.What do the results of this study add? This manuscript provides a review of the literature regarding ART procedures and neuro-psycho-motor implication. A review is strongly required due to the importance of collecting evidence from studies with different methodologies.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This manuscript provides evidence about the need for wider and more congruent studies regarding neurodevelopment disorders in new-borns after ART procedures. Data are prone to suggest a slight correlation, but several confounding factors can heavily hamper the possibility to draw a firm conclusion about the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Gullo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, IVF Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Scaglione
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gaspare Cucinella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, IVF Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Perino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, IVF Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosario D'Anna
- Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Gynaecologic and Obstetrics Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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14
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Mizrak I, Asserhøj LL, Lund MAV, Kielstrup LR, Greisen G, Clausen TD, Main KM, Jensen RB, Vejlstrup NG, Madsen PL, Pinborg A. Cardiovascular function in 8- to 9-year-old singletons born after ART with frozen and fresh embryo transfer. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:600-611. [PMID: 35015837 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do 8- to 9-year-old singletons conceived after frozen embryo transfer (FET) or fresh embryo transfer (Fresh-ET) have increased arterial stiffness compared to naturally conceived (NC) children? SUMMARY ANSWER The process of FET or Fresh-ET is not associated with altered cardiovascular function in 8- to 9-year-old singletons, including arterial stiffness, as compared to NC children. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY ART has been suggested to influence cardiovascular risk factors (i.e. endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial blood pressure and insulin resistance). It is not known if ART procedures alter arterial stiffness in singletons. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A cohort study was carried out, including 8- to 9-year-old singletons conceived after FET, Fresh-ET and NC children (50 children in each group). This study was conducted between November 2018 and August 2020. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In total, 150 singletons were identified through the Danish IVF Registry and the Medical Birth Registry. They underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and anthropometric measurements. Parental data were collected using questionnaires. NC children were matched by sex and birth year with FET/Fresh-ET children. Exclusion criteria were congenital heart disease, maternal gestational diabetes or maternal diabetes mellitus. Our primary outcome was arterial stiffness, which is assessed from noninvasive arterial blood pressure and aortic ascendens distensibility. The secondary outcome was the pulse wave velocity of total aorta and exploratory outcomes were left ventricular ejection fraction, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance. Measurements and analyses were performed blinded to the child group. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Aortic ascendens distensibility of children conceived after FET and Fresh-ET did not differ from NC children (mean (SD): FET 11.1 (3.6) 10-3 mmHg-1, Fresh-ET 11.8 (3.0) 10-3 mmHg-1, NC 11.4 (2.8) 10-3 mmHg-1, P > 0.05). Multivariate linear regression was performed to adjust for potential confounders (i.e. child sex and age, maternal BMI at early pregnancy and maternal educational level). Data showed no statistically significant differences between study groups and aortic ascendens distensibility. However, the fully adjusted model showed a non-significant tendency of lowered aortic ascendens distensibility in children born after FET compared to Fresh-ET (β estimate (95% CI): -0.99 10-3 mmHg-1 (-2.20; 0.21)) and NC children (β estimate (95% CI): -0.77 10-3 mmHg-1 (-1.98; 0.44)). Lastly, secondary and exploratory outcomes did not differ between the groups. Primary and secondary outcomes showed good intra-rater reliability. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is possibly limited by potential selection bias as the participation rate was higher in the ART compared to the NC group. Also, in some variables, the study groups differed slightly from the non-participant population. The non-participant population (n = 1770) included those who were excluded, not invited to CMR scan, or declined to participate in this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings indicate that children born after FET or Fresh-ET do not have altered cardiovascular function, including arterial stiffness. This is reassuring for the future use of ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant reference number: NNF19OC0054340) and The Research Foundation of Rigshospitalet. All authors declared no conflict of interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03719703.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Mizrak
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark.,Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, Copenhagen
| | - L L Asserhøj
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, Copenhagen.,Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M A V Lund
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, Copenhagen
| | - L R Kielstrup
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, Copenhagen
| | - G Greisen
- Department of Neonatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T D Clausen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - K M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R B Jensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N G Vejlstrup
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, Copenhagen
| | - P L Madsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Pinborg
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, Copenhagen
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