Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and placental abnormalities

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Perinatology

Background:

• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are increasingly utilized for conception.
• Potential associations between ART and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including placental abnormalities, warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between ART and placental abnormalities.
• To compare the incidence of placental abnormalities in ART pregnancies versus spontaneously conceived pregnancies.

Main Methods:

• A matched cohort study comparing 120 ART pregnancies with 240 spontaneously conceived controls (2:1 ratio).
• Exclusion criteria included delivery before 23 weeks and known fetal anomalies.
• Placental abnormalities were assessed via antenatal ultrasound and pathology.

Main Results:

• ART pregnancies showed higher rates of placenta previa (4.0% vs 0.4%), adherent placentas (3% vs 0%), and placental abruption (2% vs 0%).
• Increased incidence of velamentous (12% vs 3%) and marginal (28% vs 15%) cord insertions were observed in the ART group.
• ART was associated with a two-fold likelihood of abnormal placental pathology.

Conclusions:

• Assisted reproductive technologies are significantly associated with an increased incidence of placental abnormalities.
• Abnormal umbilical cord insertion and adherent placentation are key findings in ART pregnancies.
• These findings are crucial for enhanced surveillance and management strategies in ART pregnancies.