Health of 227 children born after controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization using the luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix

Abstract

Objective: To summarize data from completed phase II and III clinical trials on children born after controlled ovarian stimulation using the luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix. Design: All children born after ovarian stimulation in patients treated for infertility who were in prospective studies until March 23, 1999. Setting: Academic research center. Patient(s): Children born after IVF or IVF plus ICSI. Intervention(s): Controlled ovarian stimulation with cetrorelix in a multiple-dose or single/dual-dose protocol. Main Outcome Measure(s): Outcome of pregnancy and, in deliveries, the date of birth, number and sex of children born, birth weight, body length, and abnormalities were recorded. At approximately 1 year of age and 2 years of age, body weight and length and abnormalities in physical and mental development were recorded. Result(s): Two hundred nine and 18 children were born after fresh and frozen embryo transfers, respectively. Of the pregnancies, 76.2% (179 of 234) resulted in live birth and ectopic pregnancy occurred in 3.4% (8 of 231); one heterotopic pregnancy and four induced abortions were recorded. The malformation rate among all live births, stillbirths, and aborted fetuses was 3.1%. Conclusion(s): Use of cetrorelix in controlled ovarian stimulation does not harm the subsequently born children.