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A follow-up study of children born after diode laser assisted hatching
1Szent János Hospital, Infertility and IVF Center of Buda, Diósárok u. 1, 1125, Budapest, Hungary. katalin.kanyo@mail.janoskorhaz.hu
Insights
Laser assisted hatching (LAH) is a safe assisted reproductive technology. This study found no increased risk of congenital malformations or chromosomal aberrations in babies born after LAH.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Genetics
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Laser assisted hatching (LAH) is an in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety of non-contact laser LAH.
- This study evaluates outcomes in children born after LAH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety of non-contact laser LAH.
- To compile data on karyotypes, deliveries, and congenital malformations.
- To evaluate growth parameters in infants following LAH.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up study of 134 children born after LAH.
- Karyotyping and standardized questionnaires were used.
- Data analyzed based on indications for LAH (maternal age, previous IVF failures).
Main Results:
- No increase in major congenital malformations (2.2% vs. 3% hospital average).
- No increase in chromosomal aberrations observed.
- No significant difference in minor congenital malformations compared to the general hospital delivery population.
Conclusions:
- LAH using a non-contact laser appears safe for assisted reproduction.
- No evidence of increased chromosomal aberrations or congenital malformations in this cohort.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm safety.
Abstract:
This follow-up study of children born after laser assisted hatching (LAH) with a non-contact laser aims to compile data on karyotypes, deliveries, congenital malformations and growth parameters to evaluate the safety of this new technique. The study design consisted of karyotyping and completion of a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed for the first 134 children born after LAH. Indication for LAH were the age (over 35 years) (group I), previously minimum three unsuccessful IVF-ET treatment cycles (group II) and age >35 years with at least three unsuccessful IVF cycles (group III). In our study group of 134 babies we found no increase in the major congenital malformation rate (2.2%) which is comparable with the major congenital malformation rate (3%) among all deliveries at our hospital. No increase in chromosomal aberrations could be observed. Neither could we observe a difference in minor congenital malformations between the LAH treated group and all deliveries at our hospital (10.4% versus 11.1%). On this limited number of children born after LAH there was neither evidence of an increased incidence of chromosomal aberrations nor of congenital malformations.
