Comparative evaluation of growth parameters of IVF children of West Bengal

Abstract

Context: Fertility rates have started declining in West Bengal, India in the last few decades. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the major treatment modalities available to infertile couple. Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the growth parameters of IVF and spontaneously conceived children. The objective of this study is to relate the physical status of IVF children with that of spontaneously conceived group. Settings and Design: In a cross-sectional case-control study, growth parameters of 3-14-year-old children were assessed. Subjects and Methods: Weight and height of 3-14-year-old children were assessed. Birth weight and length of each case and control group was also recorded. The case group consisted of term, singleton babies who were outcome of IVF in the studied area in 2009. The control group consisted of term, first child, singleton, and spontaneously conceived 3-14-year-old children who were also resident of the studied area. A sample of 150 IVF and 150 spontaneously conceived children were examined. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square and student's t-test were used for data analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference found in the studied (IVF children) and the control group (spontaneously conceived children). Conclusions: Growth retardation is more prevalent in babies born through IVF in the initial phase of life, but later on, IVF children are considered same as spontaneously conceived children.