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Published on: August 25, 2014
Neurological sequelae in children born after in-vitro fertilisation: a population-based study.
B Strömberg1, G Dahlquist, A Ericson
1Department of Women and Child Health, University Children's Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden. bo.stromberg@kbh.uu.se
Lancet (London, England)
|February 21, 2002
Summary
Children born after in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) face a higher risk of neurological issues, particularly cerebral palsy. This increased risk is linked to multiple births and prematurity, suggesting single embryo transfer may be beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Limited long-term, population-based data exists on neurological sequelae in children conceived via in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
- Understanding these risks is crucial for clinical guidance and parental counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of neurological problems in children born after IVF with a control group.
- To identify specific neurological conditions and risk factors associated with IVF conception.
Main Methods:
- A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted.
- Compared 5,680 IVF-conceived children with 11,360 matched controls.
- Included a separate analysis for IVF twins (n=2,060) against twin controls (n=4,120), utilizing data from Swedish habilitation centers.
Main Results:
- Children born after IVF showed a higher likelihood of needing habilitation services (OR 1.7).
- Significantly increased risk for cerebral palsy (OR 3.7) and suspected developmental delay (4-fold increase) was observed in IVF-born children.
- No increased risk of neurological sequelae was found in IVF twins compared to control twins; low birth weight and prematurity were significant factors.
Conclusions:
- Children conceived via IVF exhibit an elevated risk of neurological problems, notably cerebral palsy.
- The higher incidence of twin pregnancies, low birth weight, and prematurity in IVF births contribute significantly to these risks.
- Recommends single embryo transfer during IVF procedures to mitigate potential neurological risks.
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