Pulmonary arterial pressure in at-term in vitro fertilization neonates: A cross-sectional study

Hormones consumption in women who conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF) as well as embryonic manipulations have raised concerns regarding the neonates' health, including the possibility of pulmonary hypertension. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the pulmonary arterial pressure in at-term IVF neonates.

This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2013 and October 2017 and compares 160 IVF neonates (group 1) with 160 naturally conceived neonates (group 2). The neonates in both groups were cesarean newborns, matched in terms of gestational and neonatal age. The neonates were three-seven days old, had a full-term gestational age of 37-39 weeks and 6 days, and a normal birth weight of 2500-4000 gr. The systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) was estimated using real-time echocardiography on the basis of peak flow velocity of tricuspid regurgitation jet.

A significant difference was observed in the mean SPAPs between the two groups (p<0.001). Although, the effect of gestational age on reducing SPAP was greater and statistically significant in group 1, the gradual decrease in the PAP after birth appeared to be slower in this group. Moreover, in both groups, the effect of gestational age on reducing SPAP was more convincing than that of the neonatal age. Further, in both groups, a significant reverse correlation was observed between the SPAP and the neonatal weight; however, it appeared to be markedly higher in group 1.

Our study renders IVF as being culpable in the incidence of pulmonary hypertension among neonates. Hence, to detect the likelihood of pulmonary arterial hypertension in IVF neonates, it is recommended to monitor their PAP during the neonatal period, and thereby facilitate them with the required treatment.