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Long-term health of children conceived after assisted reproductive technology

Christina Bergh1,2, Ulla-Britt Wennerholm1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences
|February 27, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Children born after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) generally have similar long-term health outcomes as naturally conceived children. However, some increased risks for cardiovascular function and diabetes warrant ongoing monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are increasingly used globally.
  • Understanding the long-term health of children conceived via ART is crucial.
  • Previous studies have yielded varied results on ART outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current knowledge on the long-term health and developmental outcomes of children born after ART.
  • To identify specific health areas requiring continued surveillance in ART-conceived singletons.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing literature.
  • Inclusion of data from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large registry studies.
  • Focus on singleton births after ART.

Main Results:

  • ART singletons show comparable outcomes to spontaneously conceived peers in many health domains.
  • Elevated risks observed in ART singletons for specific conditions, including cardiovascular function and type 1 diabetes.
  • Neurodevelopmental outcomes (cerebral palsy, ADHD, ASD) and growth are largely similar.

Conclusions:

  • ART singletons generally experience favorable long-term health outcomes.
  • Specific health risks, particularly cardiovascular and metabolic, necessitate ongoing vigilance.
  • Continuous monitoring of children born after ART is essential due to evolving ART techniques.

Keywords:
Assisted reproductive technologyICSIIVFlong-term follow up

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