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Cryopreservation of Preimplantation Embryos of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats
Published on: August 5, 2011
Outcome in children from cryopreserved embryos
A G Sutcliffe1, S W D'Souza, J Cadman
1St Mary's Hospital, Manchester.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Children conceived via cryopreserved embryos show normal development, with no significant concerns. Formal assessments revealed minor differences compared to normally conceived children, but overall outcomes were positive.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Embryology
Background:
- Cryopreservation of embryos is a common assisted reproductive technology.
- Assessing the long-term developmental outcomes of children conceived from cryopreserved embryos is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the developmental status of children conceived from cryopreserved embryos.
- To compare their development with a control group of normally conceived children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 91 children conceived from cryopreserved embryos was assessed using the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development.
- A control group of 83 children conceived normally, matched for age, sex, and social class, was included.
- Birth characteristics, including birth weight, gestational age, and mode of delivery, were recorded.
Main Results:
- Children from cryopreserved embryos had lower mean birth weight and gestational age, with a higher rate of caesarean sections.
- Developmental quotients (Griffiths's quotient) in both groups exceeded the standard 100, indicating normal development.
- No statistically significant differences in developmental assessment results were found between singleton and multiple birth subgroups from cryopreserved embryos.
Conclusions:
- Development in children conceived from cryopreserved embryos did not raise concerns.
- Minor differences in development were noted compared to normally conceived peers, but overall outcomes are reassuring.

