Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Monitoring Blood Glucose in Mouse Offspring After Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
06:11

Monitoring Blood Glucose in Mouse Offspring After Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Published on: May 17, 2024

Increased risk of brain injury in IVF babies

C V Bellieni1, F Bagnoli, M Tei

  • 1Department of Pediatrics Obstetrics and Reproduction Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. bellieni@iol.it

Minerva Pediatrica
|November 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

In vitro fertilization (IVF) babies show a higher incidence of brain injury compared to naturally conceived infants. This increased risk is linked to higher rates of premature birth and low birth weight in the IVF population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Reproductive medicine
  • Neurology

Background:

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common assisted reproductive technology.
  • Concerns exist regarding potential health risks for infants conceived via IVF.
  • Brain injury is a significant concern in neonatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the occurrence of brain injury in infants born after IVF.
  • To compare brain injury rates between IVF and non-IVF infants.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study comparing brain injury incidence in IVF infants versus the general infant population.
  • Data collected from hospital births between 2004-2006.
  • Statistical analysis including relative risk (RR) calculation.

Main Results:

  • IVF infants (n=180) had a higher rate of brain injury (4/180) compared to the general population (23/3602), RR: 3.18, P=0.042.
  • IVF infants had a significantly higher risk of low birth weight (<2500g), RR: 5.133, P<0.0001.
  • The difference in brain injury rates was not significant between IVF and non-IVF infants when low birth weight was accounted for.

Conclusions:

  • Infants conceived via IVF exhibit a higher frequency of brain injury.
  • This is likely associated with increased rates of prematurity and low birth weight in the IVF population.
  • Informed decision-making for prospective parents requires disclosure of these findings.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Chromosome Screening of Human Preimplantation Embryos by Using Spent Culture Medium: Sample Collection and Chromosomal Ploidy Analysis12:32

Chromosome Screening of Human Preimplantation Embryos by Using Spent Culture Medium: Sample Collection and Chromosomal Ploidy Analysis

Published on: September 7, 2021

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Related Concept Videos

In Vitro Fertilization01:24

In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
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...
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Infertility in Females01:28

Infertility in Females

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Infertility in Males01:23

Infertility in Males

Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...