In Vitro Fertilization Children Research Articles

Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Development of Five-Year-Old Children Conceived by Assistive Reproductive Technologies (In-Vitro Fertilization)

Preschool children conceived through In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) tend to demonstrate particular behavioral, social, and emotional patterns that correlate with their physical development. The authors used a number of techniques to assess the behavior and social and emotional development of five-year-old IVF children. Such questionnaires as Your Child’s Behavior and Child’s Relationship with Friends and Family cast light on the behavioral, social, and emotional status. To define the physical development, the authors used such questionnaires as Child Feeding Issues, Three-Month History of Infectious Diseases, History of Injuries and Accidents, and Chronic Disease History. The sample consisted of 81 IVF children and 153 naturally-conceived children (aged 5); it included subgroups of children with perinatal developmental risks. Most parents of the IVF children reported neither behavioral nor social issues. However, the IVF children demonstrated more severe emotional issues. The IVF children with perinatal developmental risks had more pronounced emotional and anxiety issues, which was not typical of naturally-conceived children with perinatal risks. Both groups included children with difficulties in social and emotional development. The study revealed four significant factors that defined the difficulties of the socio-emotional development in the IVF children: behavioral disorders, aggression, social issues, and emotional issues. The significant correlations of behavioral, social, and emotional development in the IVF group indicated some specificity against the control. The correlating indicators of mental and physical development proved that physical development might affect behavioral, social, and emotional development in IVF children.

Metabolic Profiles of Offspring Born From Biopsied Embryos from Toddlerhood to Preschool Age.

Embryo biopsy, which is necessary for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), has not been fully investigated regarding its potential influences and safety. Previous studies of children born from biopsied embryos (PGT children) have primarily centered around their growth and neuropsychological development, while there remains limited knowledge concerning their endocrine and metabolic parameters. This study aims to examine the effect of trophectoderm (TE) biopsy on metabolic outcomes for PGT children. A total of 1267 children from the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, who were conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with and without PGT, were analyzed in this study. Three sets of measurements pertaining to growth and metabolism were taken at each predetermined follow-up time point. The linear regression models within a generalized estimating equation were employed to examine the associations between the PGT and each outcome measure and the approach of false discovery rate was used to correct for multiple comparisons. After controlling for confounding factors and correcting for multiple comparisons, no statistically significant difference was identified in any of the measured variables between the PGT children and children conceived by IVF alone (IVF children) and children conceived through IVF using ICSI (ICSI children). The same is true also for age- or sex-based subgroup analyses. Between the ages of 1 and 5 years, there are no clinically adverse metabolic outcomes observed in PGT children, and their metabolic profiles are essentially identical to those of IVF children and ICSI children.

A longitudinal study of families created using egg donation: Family functioning at age 5.

Findings are reported from Phase 2 of a longitudinal study of family functioning in heterosexual-couple families with 5 year olds conceived using identity-release egg donation. Seventy-two egg donation families were compared to 50 in vitro fertilization (IVF) families (ethnicity: 93% White British) using standardized observational, interview, and questionnaire measures. There were no differences between family types in the quality of mother-child or father-child interaction, apart from lower structuring by fathers in egg donation families. Egg donation mothers and fathers reported higher levels of parenting stress and lower levels of confidence and competence than their IVF counterparts. Egg donation mothers reported lower social support and couple relationship quality, greater anger toward their child, and perceived their child as more angry and less happy, compared to IVF mothers. Egg donation fathers showed greater criticism and anger toward their child, less joy in parenting, and were less satisfied with the support they received, than IVF fathers. Children in egg donation families showed higher levels of externalizing problems than IVF children as rated by mothers, fathers, and teachers, whereas they were rated as having higher levels of internalizing problems by teachers only. Externalizing problems were predicted by mothers' lower initial social support, steeper increases in parenting stress and greater concurrent criticism, whereas internalizing problems were associated with poorer initial couple relationship quality as rated by mothers. Both were predicted by fewer gains in reflective functioning. There was a moderation effect such that parenting stress was a stronger predictor of externalizing problems for egg donation than IVF families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ СОСТОЯНИЯ ЖЕЛЕЗА В КРОВИ ДОНОШЕННЫХ ДЕТЕЙ, ЗАЧАТЫХ ЕСТЕСТВЕННЫИ ПУТЕМ И ПО ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ЭКО

The paper presents the results of a study of iron metabolism in full-term infants conceived naturally and using in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. The data obtained allowed us to conclude that there were no statistically significant differences in the studied indicators in the groups and did not reveal the effect of IVF technology on the iron metabolism of full-term newborns. The purpose of the study. To study and compare the data of iron metabolism - hemoglobin, serum iron, serum transferrin recep-tor (sTfR), ferritin, ferritin index (sTfR/logFer), transferrin saturation, zinc protoporphyrin/ heme ratio in full-term infants conceived using IVF technology and children born by natural conception. Materi-als and methods. Clinical, biochemical and statistical methods were used in the work. The indicators of hemogram and ferrokinetics were determined in 20 full-term children conceived by observation, and in 18 children born using the technology of in vitro fertilization. Research results. In full-term children born as a result of IVF procedure, the level of Hb it was 17,03 ± 0,82 g/dl. The level of serum iron was comparable in the study groups (in full–term children conceived naturally, it is 26,09 ± 0,68 μmol/l, in children conceived by IVF – 25,24 ± 0,5 μmol/l). Studies of the ferritin level in full–term children conceived in the traditional way showed values of 175,73 ± 11,63 μg/l, in children after IVF procedure – 177,04 ± 11,21 μg/l. When calculating the ferritin index (sTfR / log10 Ferritin), data were obtained - in full-term children, the ferritin index is 3,72 ± 0,28 and 4,03 ± 0,36 mg/l depending on the method of conception, the differences are not statistically significant. In full-term children conceived naturally, the TS level was determined to be 61,18 ± 4,11 %, and in full-term children born as a result of traditional conception – 61,77 ± 5,3 %. Conclusion. The study allowed us to conclude that there is no statistically significant effect of the IVF method on iron metabolism and ferrokinetic factors in full-term newborns conceived by this method.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) among Women of Childbearing Age in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Background Infertility impacts a lot of considerable negative social effects on the lives of infertile partners, especially females, who repeatedly experience the emotional sequelae of childlessness. The study's goal was to assess women of reproductive ages' awareness of IVF treatments, as well as their attitudes and misunderstandings about them in Cape Coast, Ghana. Methods A total of 437 reproductive-age women in Cape Coast Metropolis were recruited using a simple random sampling approach for this Cross-Sectional Descriptive study. Data were collected with a semistructured interviewer-administered questionnaire and were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean age was calculated to be 25.33 ± 0.066 years with a greater proportion, 65.7% within 15–24 years, 76.5% had no or had never had a child before. 93.4% were of the Christian faith, 66.8% were aware of IVF, and 74.8% think IVF offers hope. Although 41.4% believe it is not a natural procedure and 44.6% believe IVF children are normal but not natural. While 72.1% believe the treatment is very costly, and 40.7% believe it is not affordable or accessible. The majority believe IVF kids are legitimate (76.9%), and so should be welcomed by society (86.5%). The overall opinion of IVF service acceptability was 81.7% good. Seventy-two and three percent did not know whether IVF services are available in Cape Coast. Also, 48.1% were aware that IVF may result in pregnancy failure, with fewer than half (43.5%) believing it could be linked to genetic problems in the baby. The majority (60.4%) were willing to use IVF services, and 82.8% will utilize just their husband's sperm technique. While others may not want to undergo any form of IVF technique because they desire to conceive naturally (51.0%) and 22.4% may be unable to pay for it. Educational status and awareness of the availability of IVF services were factors that were significantly associated with their overall good perception of IVF services. Also, age, marital status, number of live children, occupation, educational status, awareness, and their overall perception were factors that are significantly associated with their preparedness to utilize IVF services. Conclusion Overall, women's opinions of IVF and their readiness to use them were favorable, and they think it offers hope for their condition since they were well-informed about its forms and that infertility may be a result of several factors, all of which may need IVF services. It does not matter if it is difficult to obtain, expensive, or unavailable. It is recommended that the government collaborates with healthcare providers to investigate ways through the mass media in the drive to clear the misconceptions and improve the public understanding of the IVF procedure towards its utilization, thereby reducing the burden of childlessness and the resulting psychological disorders among couples, this has implications for joyful homes and societal growth.

Risk of Higher Blood Pressure in 3 to 6 Years Old Singleton Born From OHSS Patients Undergone With Fresh IVF/ICSI

BackgroundA large registry-based study found the increasing disorders of cardiovascular and metabolism in IVF children but underlying mechanism is still unknown. Few studies have investigated any association between OHSS and cardiovascular or metabolic function in subsequent children.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) on blood pressure of singletons after in vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).Study DesignThe singlet-center corhort study included 1780 singletons born with IVF/ICSI and 83 spontaneously conceived children from 2003 to 2014. Follow-up has lasted more than 10 years, and is still ongoing. This study analyzed data from follow-up surveys at 3 to 6 years of age.Participants, Setting and MethodsWe recruited 83 children (Group E) spontaneously conceived (SC) as control group and 1780 children born with IVF/ICSI including 126 children born to OHSS-fresh embryo transfer (ET) women (Group A), 1069 children born to non OHSS-ET women (Group B), 98 children conceived by women who developed into moderate or severe OHSS after oocyte retrieval and selected the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) (Group C), 487 children conceived with non OHSS-FET (Group D). We evaluated cardiometabolic function, assessed BP in mmHg, heart rate, anthropometrics, and metabolic index including glucose, serum lipid (triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein), thyroid function, of those children. The BP and heart rate were measured twice on the same day. We applied several multiple regression analyses to investigate the effect of OHSS in the early pregnancy.Main FindingsBy the single factor analysis, the SBP and DBP in the SC group (SBP: 99.84 ± 8.9; DBP: 55.27 ± 8.8) were significantly lower than OHSS-ET group’s, while the blood pressure was similar between the SC group and other three ART groups. Children had higher BP in the OHSS-ET group (SBP: 101.93 ± 8.17; DBP: 58.75 ± 8.48) than in the non OHSS-ET (SBP: 99.49 ± 8.91; DBP: 56.55 ± 8.02) or OHSS-FET group (SBP: 99.38 ± 8.17; DBP: 55.72 ± 7.94). After using multiple regression analysis to adjust current, early life, parental and ART characteristics, the differences in the SBP and DBP (B (95% confidence interval)) between OHSS-ET and non OHSS-ET remained significant (SBP: 3.193 (0.549 to 2.301); DBP: 3.440 (0.611 to 2.333)). And the BP showed no significant difference complementarily when compared non OHSS-FET group with non OHSS-ET group. In addition, the anthropometrics, fast glucose, serum lipid, and thyroid index did not differ among the ART groups.Principal ConclusionsOHSS might play an independent key role on offspring’s BP even cardiovascular function. Electing frozen-thawed embryo transfer for high risk of OHSS population may reduce the risk of the high BP trend.Wider Implications of the FindingsIt is a large sample study to investigate the effect of OHSS on offspring’s health. These findings provide a clinic evidence of the impact of early environment (embryo even oocyte stage) on the offspring’s cardiovascular health. Our study emphasis the importance of the accuracy of IVF clinic strategy and preventing the OHSS after fresh embryo transfer.

Six Days in Plastic: Potentiality, Normalization, and In Vitro Embryos in the Postgenomic Age

Part of the normalization of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) is the premise that the children born from in vitro fertilization (IVF) are no different from their counterparts conceived spontaneously. However, interest in peri-conception health and new epigenetic understandings of biological plasticity has led to some questioning the presumed irrelevance of conception in vitro, and when doing so, describing IVF children as “apparently healthy.” Taking “apparently” and “healthy” seriously, this article explores how modes of attention—ways of naming and framing embryo potentiality—shape understandings of health and normality. I contend that understanding the politics of potentiality, and how they may emerge in a postgenomic age, requires an unpacking of various modes of attention and framing. Ethnographic findings from South Africa’s fertility clinics and emerging literature on epigenetic variation in IVF conception demonstrate how, under a genetic mode of attention, IVF clinics views “abnormality” as fated, unviable, and discardable. Exploring the possibility of answering the postgenomic questions to IVF reveals structural challenges to knowing long-term health implications. Incipient attempts within the fertility clinic at managing these questions shows various strategic techniques, such as leveraging epigenetics to marketable ends and shifts to individual responsibility.

O-074 No methylome differences observed in IVF children born after embryo culture in different culture media

Abstract Study question Does human embryo culture in different IVF culture media lead to DNA methylation alterations in IVF offspring? Summary answer Genome-wide analyses identified no significant DNA methylation differences between culture medium groups in IVF children (neonates or 9-year olds) from two culture media studies. What is known already During in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments, embryos undergo preimplantation development in an artificial environment, while concurrently undergoing epigenetic reprogramming. Adversity during this period, such as peri-conception calorie restriction, has been linked to persistent DNA methylation aberrations and increased risk of cardiometabolic disease. Early environmental adversity is suspected in IVF offspring as they are born with lower birthweights and show increased risk of cardiometabolic dysfunction in adulthood as compared to their naturally-conceived counterparts. This is further supported by the observation from two culture media trials (MEDIUM0 and MEDIUM1) that embryo culture in different culture media leads to differences in birthweight. Study design, size, duration We recruited singleton offspring from two IVF culture media trials. The MEDIUM0 study, a pseudo-randomized trial comparing G3 (Vitrolife) and K-SICM (Cook), was conducted from 2003-2006. At the 9-year follow-up, saliva was collected (cohort-A). The MEDIUM1 study, a multi-center randomized controlled trial comparing G5 (Vitrolife) and HTF (Lonza), was conducted from 2010-2012. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) was collected at birth (cohort-B). Participants/materials, setting, methods DNA methylation was analysed in 120 saliva samples (65 G3, 55 Cook) and 106 UCB samples (47 HTF, 59 G5) using the Infinium MethylationEPIC array (Illumina). Mixed effects linear models, correcting for (gestational) age, sex, sample composition and batch effects alongside maternal age, pregnancy complications and IVF centre for cohort-B, were implemented at single or aggregated sites. Methylation outliers were defined as values over three interquartile ranges below or above 25th and 75th percentiles respectively. Main results and the role of chance 111 of the 120 saliva samples (60 G3, 51 Cook) and 105 of the 106 UCB samples (47 HTF, 58 G5) passed our quality control criteria. We filtered sites on sex chromosomes, and based on quality, proximity to single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and proportion of missing values, leaving 650,000-700,000 of the 850,000 sites included on the EPIC array for our analyses. To account for heterogeneity in the cellular composition of our samples we estimated their cell compositions using a reference-based approach. First, we investigated individual CpG sites, finding no differentially methylated sites in either cohort after correction for multiple testing (false discovery rate adjusted p. value threshold < 0.1). Sites were then aggregated into regions based on their allocations to genes, promoters and CpG islands. No differentially methylated regions were identified in either cohort. A targeted analysis of DNA methylation of imprinting genes showed no differentially methylated sites or regions. To examine the contribution of stochastic epigenetic alterations we quantified the number of methylation outliers per sample. Although this revealed a predominance of hypomethylation outliers, there was no difference in the total number or distribution of DNA methylation outliers between the two culture media groups of cohort-A and cohort-B. Limitations, reasons for caution This analysis is currently limited by the lack of comparison to a naturally-conceived control group. As such, we cannot yet conclude whether IVF embryo culture, in any medium, is associated with DNA methylation aberrations. Additionally, given the large number of comparisons, we may lack power to detect small differences. Wider implications of the findings Although there are disparities in birth weight and childhood growth after embryo culture in different media, we observed no DNA methylation alterations preserved postnatally. Whether DNA methylation of these individuals deviates from that of naturally-conceived individuals will be determined in the near future. Trial registration number MEDIUM1: NTR 1979 /NL1866 (Netherlands Trial Registry)

Lars Hamberger: in memory of a Nordic pioneer in IVF.

Professor Emeritus Lars Hamberger, former Chief Editor of Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica (AOGS), passed away at the age of 82 years on 2 June 2021. Lars Hamberger was an internationally renowned scientist in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and was the initiator and team leader behind the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) baby within the Nordic countries. The birth, in 1982 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, occurred only 4 years after the world’s first IVF baby was born. This accomplishment cemented Sweden’s reputation within the international IVF scene as the 5th country in the world to successfully develop the revolutionary technique. Lars Hamberger continued his scientific and clinical work in ART throughout his career, inspiring many young colleagues in Sweden and around the world to pursue careers within this rapidly evolving field. Lars Hamberger studied medicine at the University of Gothenburg and worked at Sahlgrenska University Hospital for most of his career. His doctorate training was in reproductive physiology, specifically ovarian metabolism. His innovative mind led to the development of a micro-diver technique to measure the oxygen consumption of ovarian cells. He became Associate Professor in Physiology in 1968, some months after receiving his PhD. After completing residency training at Sahlgrenska, Hamberger became an Associate Professor in Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1974. He was active in conducting research on ovarian physiology and closely followed the international work carried out to develop a technique that would fertilize the human oocyte outside the body. The successful creation of this IVF technique was largely due to the scientific efforts of Robert Edwards in Cambridge. In 1978, the Cambridge group reported the birth of Louise Brown. Soon after, Hamberger formed a team of clinicians and scientists to set up IVF in close contact with the Cambridge team, proving successful in 1982 with their first live birth at Sahlgrenska. In 2010, Robert Edwards was awarded the Nobel prize in physiology/medicine for the scientific development of IVF. Lars Hamberger was appointed Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Karolinska Institute in 1983 but returned to the University of Gothenburg the following year as a professor. IVF was soon established as a clinical treatment at Sahlgrenska and Hamberger created a large adjoining research laboratory, “Spec-lab”, for translational research in ART. This center attracted scientists from all over the world to work in developing IVF and ART even further. One major IVF invention from the Sahlgrenska center was the forming of transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval in 1987. With this technique it was possible to avoid laparoscopy surgery when obtaining oocytes. Another major invention in ART was intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), developed by the Brussels group in 1992. Lars Hamberger and his team quickly learned the technique and Sahlgrenska became the second center in the world with a live birth after ICSI. Several major research findings in ART came from the Sahlgrenska center, including the establishment of elective single embryo transfer as a routine, long-term follow-up of IVF children, and uterus transplantation. Alongside all the science in the laboratory, Hamberger also made space for the world-renowned photographer Lennart Nilsson, who created the book “A Child is Born”, with Lars Hamberger as co-author. The book has been translated into 18 languages. Lars Hamberger was not only a scientist and clinician but also an entrepreneur within the business field. He was co-founder of the second private IVF clinic in Sweden, the stem-cell company Cellartis, as well as Vitro Life, now a major global company within the area of Culture media and products for assisted reproduction. Lars Hamberger supervised several PhD students within the Departments of Physiology and Obstetrics & Gynecology and hosted a great number of international visiting scientists. The famous Spec-lab became an international hub for advanced research in ART, greatly aided by Hamberger’s scientific generosity and hospitality. Lars Hamberger became honorary member of the European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE) in 2011 and was the Chief Editor of AOGS from 1999 to 2000. On a personal level, Lars had many interests but was particularly passionate about the arts. Lars himself was a talented painter and as a young man dreamed of a future as a painter, despite the disapproval of his father, Professor Carl-Axel Hamberger. However, Hamberger pursued his painting in parallel with his scientific career and had several art exhibitions after retirement. Lars Hamberger will be remembered with warmth and gratitude for being instrumental in the establishment of ART in the Nordic countries and being essential to the development of AOGS.

Sixth grade academic achievement among children conceived with IVF: a population-based study in Texas, USA

To compare academic achievement in reading and mathematics at the end of sixth grade and progress from third to sixth grade by children conceived with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to those conceived naturally. This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of IVF-conceived singleton and twin children who took the 3rd grade and 6th grade public school standardized reading and mathematics testing in Texas. There were 6623 children with reading scores in both the third and sixth grades and 6374 children with mathematics scores in both the third and sixth grades. Mean (± SE) scaled test scores for IVF and control singleton children for reading were 1544.6 ± 3.4 and 1527.7 ± 1.9, respectively, in third grade and 1701.2 ± 3.6 and 1681.0 ± 2.0, respectively, in sixth grade; for mathematics, the scores were 1564.4 ± 3.7 and 1548.9 ± 2.1, respectively, in third grade and 1774.0 ± 4.2 and 1752.0 ± 2.3, respectively, in sixth grade. In multivariate models, singleton IVF children scored significantly higher than control children in reading and mathematics, averaging 17.7 ± 4.0 points and 20.1 ± 4.1 points higher, respectively, in reading in third and sixth grades and 17.8 ± 4.4 points and 25.0 ± 4.8 points higher, respectively, in mathematics in third and sixth grades. Children conceived with IVF and aged 8-9 years and aged 10-12 years performed as well on third and sixth grade reading and mathematics assessments as their counterparts conceived naturally.

Severe Early Childhood Caries in IVF Children: An Observational Study with Comparative Evaluation

Context: Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is one of the major problems affecting the tooth structure in childhood before 71 months of age. It may affect both In vitro fertilization (IVF) and spontaneously conceived children. Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate, identify, and compare the prevalence of S-ECC in the deciduous dentition of IVF and spontaneously conceived children before 71 months of age. Settings and Design: In a cross-sectional, observational, case–control study, the S-ECC status of children aged 24–71 months was assessed. The studied case group comprised term, singleton babies who were the outcome of IVF in the studied area. The control group comprised term, first child, singleton, and spontaneously conceived 24–71-month-old children who were also resident of the studied area. A sample of 103 IVF and 162 spontaneously conceived children was examined utilizing Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST). Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square tests (c2) or Z test. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in some aspects among the studied, i.e., IVF children, and control group, i.e., spontaneously conceived children. Conclusions: IVF children are considered better than spontaneously conceived children in some aspects when studied in relation to S-ECC status evaluated through CAST.

Third grade academic achievement among children conceived with the use of in vitro fertilization: a population-based study in Texas

To evaluate if there are differences in standardized testing results at the end of third grade between children conceived with the use of invitro fertilization (IVF) and those conceived spontaneously. Retrospective population-based cohort. Texas public school system. Singleton and twin children 8-9 years of age who took the third-grade public school standardized testing in Texas from 2012 to2018. None. Standardized testing in reading and mathematics. After exclusions, there were 6,970 IVF and 12,690 non-IVF children with reading scores and 6,973 IVF and 12,729 non-IVF children with mathematics scores. IVF children scored significantly higher in reading (singletons: 1,543 ± 2 vs. 1,525 ± 1; twins: 1,534 ± 2 vs. 1,504 ± 5 [mean ± SE]), and mathematics (singletons: 1,566 ± 2 vs. 1,550 ± 1; twins: 1,557 ± 2 vs. 1,529 ± 5). Children of mothers ≥30 years of age scored consistently higher than children of mothers 18-29 years of age. The differences were of similar magnitude between IVF and control children for older ages, but not significant for IVF. Within the IVF group, there were no significant differences between children born from fresh versus froze-thawed embryos. Children of ages 8-9 years who were conceived with the use of IVF performed as well on third-grade reading and math assessments as their counterparts who were conceived spontaneously. We also found consistent racial and ethnic differences, gender differences, and beneficial effects of older maternal age. Because we were not able to adjust adequately for socioeconomic status and other confounding factors, which may explain some of the observed differences, we conclude that there is no negative effect of IVF conception on academic achievement in third grade.

Vascular Health of Children Conceived via In Vitro Fertilization

To evaluate whether invitro fertilization (IVF) has an effect on the cardiovascular health of offspring. This was a cross-sectional pilot study. We performed vascular health assessment for 17 children aged 10-14years who were conceived via IVF with autologous oocytes at Stanford University. Carotid artery ultrasound evaluated intima-media thickness and stiffness, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity determined segmental arterial stiffness, and endothelial pulse amplitude testing assessed endothelial function. We compared IVF offspring with control adolescents assessed in the same laboratory, with all comparisons adjusted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity. All participants had normal body mass index and blood pressure. Compared with controls, IVF children had thicker common carotid artery intima-media thickness (0.44±0.03mm vs 0.38±0.03mm; P<.01), higher elastic modulus (395.29±185.33mm Hg vs 242.79±37.69mm Hg; P=.01), higher βstiffness (2.65±0.38 vs 2.28±0.23; P<.01), and higher peak velocity (142.29±31.62cm/s vs 117.71±32.69cm/s; P=.04). The mean endothelial pulse amplitude testing reactive hyperemia index was not significantly different between IVF and controls. The mean pulse wave velocity was 4.69±0.51m/s compared with the controls 4.60±0.57m/s (P=.11), with 8 (47%) having abnormal values. In an assessment of endothelial function and arterial properties of children conceived via IVF, we found that children conceived via IVF seem to have evidence of abnormal vascular health. Further studies with larger sample size and long-term follow-up are warranted.

Asthma in 9-year-old children of subfertile couples is not associated with in vitro fertilization procedures

Asthma is a chronic reversible obstructive airway disease, which is common among children and leads to respiratory impairment. Studies showed that asthma is more common among children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) than among spontaneously conceived children. However, it is unknown which component of the IVF procedure contributes to this putative link. Therefore, the aim of this prospective follow-up study was to differentiate the possible effect of ovarian hyperstimulation from that of the in vitro culture procedure on asthma and rhinitis in 9-year-old children conceived with IVF. The study comprised three groups of singletons: (I) conceived with ovarian hyperstimulation-IVF (COH-IVF, n = 95); (II) conceived with modified natural cycle-IVF (MNC-IVF, n = 48); and (III) naturally conceived to subfertile couples (Sub-NC, n = 68). Parents filled out the validated Dutch version of the asthma questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies. Asthma prevalence in the groups did not differ: COH-IVF n = 8 (8%); MNC-IVF n = 0 (0%); and Sub-NC n = 4 (6%). Adjustment for confounders did not alter the results.Conclusion: Neither ovarian hyperstimulation nor the in vitro culture procedure was associated with asthma and rhinitis at 9 years. IVF children had a similar prevalence of asthma compared with children conceived naturally by subfertile couples.Trial registration: ISRCTN76355836What is Known:• An increased risk for asthma has been observed in children born after in vitro fertilization at preschool and school age.• The association between IVF and asthma may be partly explained by parental subfertility.What is New:• IVF children do not have a higher prevalence of asthma than children of subfertile couples conceived naturally.• Ovarian hyperstimulation used in IVF is not associated with asthma in 9-year-old children of subfertile couples.

Kunstig befrugtning

ARTIFICIAL FERTILIZATION&#x0D; The modern expansion of non-reproductive sex and sexless reproduction was mostly about contraception, but techniques for promoting conception by manipulating sperm, eggs and embryos have gained prominence over the past hundred and especially the past forty years. Artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer have not only produced such sensations as cattle sired by bulls on the other side of the world and women giving birth to their own grandchildren; with some half-million embryo transfers in cattle per year and about five million IVF children since Louise Brown’s birth in 1978, these methods are also common enough that sexual intercourse can appear ‘the old-fashioned way’ of making babies. These innovations are often called ‘historic’, but we lack synthetic histories. This selective survey explores the making of AI between the eighteenth century and the twentieth, charts the postwar rise of embryo transfer and IVF, and reflects on the generalization of assisted reproduction in the last few decades.

School performance and long-term outcomes of very preterm children conceived via in vitro fertilization.

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on school performance and long-term outcomes in very preterm children aged 8-16 years.MethodsSeventy-nine children born after IVF were compared with 79 randomly selected matched controls born after spontaneous conception (SC). Information was obtained from parents via a questionnaire administered through telephone interviews looking into school performance, including preschool education, repeated grades, extra lessons, special education needs, and learning difficulties; long-term status, including incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism; and family profile. Gross motor function was assessed against the gross motor function classification system based on information given by the subjects' families.ResultsMothers of IVF children were more likely to have a high educational level than mothers of SC children. Moreover, a greater proportion of IVF children had received preschool education than SC children. After adjusting for potential confounders, there was no difference in the school performance or long-term outcomes between IVF and SC children.ConclusionIn our study, the school performance and long-term outcomes of very preterm children born after IVF and of their spontaneously conceived peers were comparable. This information can help provide guidance to families and educators.

Perinatal and Childhood Outcomes Associated with Infertility

AbstractInfertility affects 11% of reproductive-age women in the United States and the number of live births from infertility treatment, both in vitro fertilization (IVF) and non-IVF fertility treatment (NIFT), continues to rise. Given this trend, the perinatal and childhood outcomes of children conceived with assisted reproduction are of critical importance. We provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature, consisting primarily of observational cohort studies focused on IVF children. The outcomes of interest include (1) perinatal outcomes of low birth weight and prematurity; (2) congenital birth defects; (3) childhood development to encompass autism spectrum disorders, development, and school functioning; (4) growth and puberty: and (5) childhood cancer. Overall, these data appear to be reassuring; however, further studies are needed to clarify the role of underlying parental infertility and to focus on NIFT conceptions. There remains a paucity of long-term data for these children as they progress to adulthood and long-term prospective registries will be the key to answering these questions.

Longitudinal growth of French singleton children born after in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Body mass index up to 5 years of age

BackgroundThe literature presents conflicting results on the epigenetic effect of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on the short-term and mid-term growth of children. These contradictory results may be related to the use of heterogeneous methodologies and non-longitudinal data. The goal of this study was to compare the body mass index (BMI) of children conceived via IVF and spontaneous conception (SC) children, using longitudinal data from birth to 5 years. MethodsThis study compared 118 singleton children born after in vitro fertilization, with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), selected from a pre-existing single-center cohort to 320 SC children from the same geographic area. BMI and its evolution were analyzed using the mixed-effect model during three periods: before standing acquisition (from birth to 1 year of age), during standing acquisition, and the following period from 2 to 5 years of age. ResultsBMI means were not significantly different between groups regardless of the period, when adjusting for confounding factors related to parents, pregnancy, and children's characteristics and lifestyle. Nevertheless, during the standing acquisition period, children born after IVF-ICSI presented a less significant decrease in BMI (P<0.05). In addition, for each period we identified influencing factors (maternal BMI, level of wealth indicator) associated with BMI. ConclusionIn the study population, the suspected epigenetic influence of IVF reported in the literature was not observed for BMI from birth to 5 years of age. Further investigations need to be conducted to determine if the suspected influence of IVF on adiposity could be expressed through other parameters.

From Embryos to Adults: A DOHaD Perspective on In Vitro Fertilization and Other Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Human in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a treatment for infertility is regarded as one of the most outstanding accomplishments of the 20th century, and its use has grown dramatically since the late 1970s. Although IVF is considered safe and the majority of children appear healthy, reproductive technologies have been viewed with some skepticism since the in vitro environment deviates substantially from that in vivo. This is increasingly significant because the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis has illuminated the sensitivity of an organism to its environment at critical stages during development, including how suboptimal exposures restricted specifically to gamete maturation or the preimplantation period can affect postnatal growth, glucose metabolism, fat deposition, and vascular function. Today, some of the physiological metabolic phenotypes present in animal models of IVF have begun to emerge in human IVF children, but it remains unclear whether or not in vitro embryo manipulation will have lasting health consequences in the offspring. Our expanding knowledge of the DOHaD field is fueling a paradigm shift in how disease susceptibility is viewed across the life course, with particular emphasis on the importance of collecting detailed exposure information, identifying biomarkers of health, and performing longitudinal studies for any medical treatment occurring during a developmentally vulnerable period. As IVF use continues to rise, it will be highly valuable to incorporate DOHaD concepts into the clinical arena and future approaches to public health policy.

Prevalence of dental caries of in vitro fertilization children of West Bengal evaluated with caries assessment spectrum and treatment

Context: Caries is one of the devastating problems affecting the dental hard tissue structure. It may infect both spontaneously conceived and in vitro fertilization (IVF) children. Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence of dental caries status affecting deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentition of IVF and spontaneously conceived children of West Bengal utilizing caries assessment spectrum and treatment (CAST). Settings and Design: In a cross-sectional case-control study of dental caries status of 3–14-year-old children were evaluated. The case group consisted of term, singleton babies who were the consequence of IVF in the studied area in 2012–2013. Subjects and Methods: The control group was consisted of term, first child, singleton, and spontaneously conceived 3–14-year-old children who were also a resident of our mentioned studied area. A sample of 351 IVF and 351 spontaneously conceived children was examined. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square tests or Z-test. Results: Statistically significant difference found in studied, i.e., IVF children and control group, i.e. spontaneously conceived children. Conclusions: IVF children are considered better than spontaneously conceived children when studied in relation to dental caries status evaluated through CAST.