Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Human Egg Maturity Assessment and Its Clinical Application
Published on: August 19, 2019
Children conceived after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): is there a role for the paediatrician?
1University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. claudia.mau@rh.dk
Insights
Children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) generally have comparable malformation rates to the general population, though some studies show increased risks for urogenital issues. More research is needed on long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a widely used assisted reproductive technology.
- Concerns exist regarding the long-term health of children conceived via ICSI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing medical literature on congenital malformations, chromosomal abnormalities, and postnatal growth in children conceived via ICSI.
- To identify knowledge gaps and areas for future research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 11 articles evaluating children born after ICSI.
- Analysis of data on malformation rates, chromosomal abnormalities, and growth patterns.
Main Results:
- The overall malformation rate in ICSI-conceived children was comparable to the background population in most studies.
- A higher risk of urogenital malformations, particularly hypospadias, was observed in some ICSI-conceived children.
- Insufficient data exists on chromosomal abnormalities and detailed auxological data for ICSI-conceived children.
- Inconsistent follow-up methodologies and lack of standardized clinical examinations limit current knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Collaboration between pediatricians, obstetricians, and fertility clinics is crucial for robust longitudinal studies.
- Further research should focus on standardized follow-up of ICSI-conceived children to assess congenital malformations, neurological development, growth, pubertal maturation, fertility, and morbidity.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate current medical knowledge about children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with respect to congenital malformations, chromosome abnormalities and postnatal growth.
Results:
The total malformation rate in children conceived after ICSI was comparable to the background population in nine of the 11 articles studied. In two of the studies, a significant increase in congenital malformations was found. More specifically, children born after ICSI appear to have a higher risk of urogenital malformations, especially hypospadias, which may be related to paternal subfertility. There is insufficient knowledge about chromosomal or genetic anomalies and auxological data in children born after ICSI. The methodological approach to follow-up the children was inconsistent, as the clinical examinations were not done with standardized ascertainment.
Conclusion:
Paediatricians and obstetricians should collaborate with fertility clinics to obtain valid longitudinal observations with respect to congenital malformations, neurological development, growth, pubertal maturation, fertility and morbidity in children conceived by ICSI.
Related Concept Videos
01:57Meiosis II
01:24In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...