Outcomes of IVF conceptions: are they different?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Perinatal Epidemiology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies show higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes than spontaneous conceptions.
• Preterm delivery and low birth weight are significantly increased, with greater disparities observed in singletons versus twins.
• Unmeasured confounders and the relative contributions of IVF technology versus underlying infertility complicate outcome assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current knowledge on perinatal outcomes following IVF.
• To highlight the increased risks of specific adverse outcomes, including birth defects.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding the etiology of these outcomes and long-term risks.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on IVF and perinatal outcomes.
• Comparative analysis of outcomes between IVF and spontaneously conceived pregnancies.
• Examination of data regarding birth defects and potential epigenetic influences.

Main Results:

• IVF is associated with significantly increased risks of preterm delivery and low birth weight, particularly for singletons.
• Birth defects, including imprinting syndromes, show an increased incidence in IVF-conceived children.
• Current data show no apparent increase in adverse outcomes up to adolescence, but long-term risks remain under investigation.

Conclusions:

• IVF pregnancies carry a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, necessitating careful monitoring.
• The precise causes, whether related to IVF procedures or parental infertility, require further elucidation.
• Long-term follow-up studies are crucial to assess risks such as cancer in IVF-conceived individuals.