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Wei SQ, Paradis G, Ayoub A, Lewin A, Auger N. Assisted Reproductive Technology and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Parents and Offspring. Can J Cardiol 2024; 40:130-137. [PMID: 37722625 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on the cardiovascular system is unclear. METHODS We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 1,001,593 pregnancies conceived naturally or through ART from 2008 to 2019 in Québec to assess the association of ART with cardiovascular disease in families. The exposure measure was ART. The outcome included severe maternal cardiovascular morbidity, congenital heart defects in offspring, and long-term risk of cardiovascular hospitalisation in mothers, fathers, and offspring during 11 years of follow-up. We estimated the association between ART and cardiovascular outcomes with the use of adjusted log-binomial regression (risk ratio, 95% confidence interval [CI]) and Cox proportional hazards regression models (hazard ratio [HR]). RESULTS Compared with natural conception, ART was associated with 2.04 times the risk of severe cardiovascular morbidity in mothers (95% CI 1.86-2.23) and 1.38 times the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring (95% CI 1.26-1.50). ART was not associated with the risk of maternal cardiovascular hospitalisation following pregnancy (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.88-1.21). However, ART was associated with an increased risk of paternal cardiovascular hospitalisation (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11-1.38) and offspring cardiovascular hospitalisation (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.61), mainly due to an increased risk of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS ART is associated with only a small increase in the risk of cardiovascular complications in families. Parents and offspring may be reassured that ART likely has no major impact on the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Qin Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gilles Paradis
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Aimina Ayoub
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada; University of Montréal Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Auger
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; University of Montréal Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Djuwantono T, Aviani JK, Permadi W, Halim D, Achmad TH, Dhamayanti M. Intelligence, motoric and psychological outcomes in children from different ART treatments: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:26. [PMID: 37608302 PMCID: PMC10463915 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09490-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subtle abnormalities in children's intelligence, motor skills, and psychology from various assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs) might be underdiagnosed. Understanding the prognosis of intelligence, motor skills, and psychology in children from ART would provide parents with reasonable expectations and enable them to plan relevant support to achieve the optimum potential in ART children. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases until April 13, 2021, to identify relevant studies. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis employed a standardized mean difference model. The outcome of this study is to compare intelligence quotient (IQ), motoric ability, and behavioral problems between all ARTs, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to naturally conceived (NC) children. Subdomains of intelligence based on the Cattell, Horn, and Carroll Model (CHC Model) of cognitive architecture, including fluid reasoning, short-term and working memory, processing speed, visual-spatial ability, long-term memory retrieval, and crystalized intelligence (knowledge), were evaluated and summarized in details. Motor skill was stratified into two domains: gross motoric and fine motoric. Behavioral problem was categorized as externalizing and internalizing behavior. RESULTS Meta-analysis showed that verbal intelligence score in IVF toddlers is significantly lower than NC toddlers (p = 0.02); conversely, ICSI toddlers scored significantly higher verbal intelligence score compared to NC toddlers (p = 0.005). Toddlers born after ART had significantly lower non-verbal intelligence score (p = 0.047). IVF toddlers scored significantly lower fine motor score (p = 0.01) compared to naturally conceived toddlers. Based on parent's CBCL, NC toddlers had higher total (p = 0.01) and externalizing behavior (p = 0.001) scores compared to ART toddlers. Evaluation of full scale IQ and all domains of intelligence in preschool and primary school children revealed that no significant differences exist between ART and NC children. Based on preschool and primary school parents' CBCL, IVF children had significantly lower externalizing behavior score compared to NC children (p = 0.04). Meta-analyses of studies on young adolescents revealed that ART young adolescents scored higher academically than their NC counterparts, including on mathematics (p < 0.00001) and reading or language (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS Despite differences in certain aspects, this finding suggests that ART is unlikely to cause negative impacts on children's neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tono Djuwantono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
- Bandung Fertility Center, Limijati Mother and Child Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Jenifer Kiem Aviani
- Bandung Fertility Center, Limijati Mother and Child Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Wiryawan Permadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Danny Halim
- Research Center for Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Tri Hanggono Achmad
- Research Center for Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Meita Dhamayanti
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, West Java, Bandung, Indonesia.
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Otterman LS. New Zealand's Approaches to Regulating the Commodification of the Female Body : A Comparative Analysis Reveals Ethical Inconsistencies. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:315-326. [PMID: 37017815 PMCID: PMC10352395 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10246-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In 2003 and 2004, Aotearoa New Zealand enacted two key laws that regulate two very different ways in which the female body may be commodified. The Prostitution Reform Act 2003 (PRA) decriminalized prostitution, removing legal barriers to the buying and selling of commercial sexual services. The Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2004 (HART Act), on the other hand, put a prohibition on commercial surrogacy agreements. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the ethical arguments underlying New Zealand's legislative solutions to prostitution and commercial surrogacy. While the regulation of prostitution is approached with a Marxist feminist lens with the aim to ensure the health and safety of sex workers, commercial surrogacy is prohibited outright for concerns of negative impacts on present and future persons. I ground the principles of each Act in their ethical foundations and compare these two against one another. I conclude that New Zealand's legislative approach to regulating the commodification of the female body is ethically inconsistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Otterman
- University of Otago Bioethics Centre, 71 Frederick Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand.
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Yeung EH, Putnick DL, Ghassabian A, Sundaram R, Lin TC, Mirzaei S, Stern JE, Bell E. Examining attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and related behavioral disorders by fertility treatment exposure in a prospective cohort. Ann Epidemiol 2023:S1047-2797(23)00055-8. [PMID: 36972758 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether underlying infertility and mode of conception are associated with childhood behavioral disorders. METHODS Oversampling on fertility treatment exposure using vital records, the Upstate KIDS Study followed 2057 children (of 1754 mothers) from birth to 11 years. Type of fertility treatment and time to pregnancy (TTP) were self-reported. Mothers completed annual questionnaires reporting symptomology, diagnoses and medications at 7-11 years of age. The information identified children with probable attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety/depression, and conduct or oppositional defiant disorders (CD/ODD). We estimated adjusted relative risks (RR) for disorders by underlying infertility (TTP>12 months) or treatment exposure groups compared to children born to parents with TTP≤12 months. RESULTS Children conceived with fertility treatment (34%) did not have an increased risk of ADHD (aRR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.65), or CD/ODD (aRR: 1.31; 0.91, 1.86), but did have an increased risk of anxiety/depression (aRR: 1.63; 1.18, 2.24), which remained elevated even after adjusting for parental mood disorders (aRR: 1.40; 0.99, 1.96). Underlying infertility without use of treatment was also associated with a risk of anxiety/depression (aRR: 1.82; 95%CI: 0.96, 3.43). CONCLUSIONS Underlying infertility or its treatment were not associated with risk of ADHD. Observations of increased anxiety/depression require replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwina H Yeung
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817.
| | - Diane L Putnick
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817
| | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Departments of Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine and Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 227 East 30(th) Street, New York, NY 10016
| | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817
| | - Tzu-Chun Lin
- Glotech, Inc., 1801 Research Boulevard #605, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Sedigheh Mirzaei
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Room R6002, Memphis, TN 38105
| | - Judy E Stern
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, 03756
| | - Erin Bell
- Departments of Environmental Health Sciences and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222
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Wijs LA, Doherty DA, Keelan JA, Burton P, Yovich JL, Robinson M, Hart RJ. Mental health and behavioural problems in adolescents conceived after ART. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2831-2844. [PMID: 36166695 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does mental health and behaviour differ between those conceived with and those conceived without ART? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study observed less externalizing behaviour (delinquent/aggressive), and more parent-reported internalizing behaviour, as well as more (clinical) depression at age 14 years, in adolescents conceived after ART compared to their non-ART counterparts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Health outcomes of ART-conceived offspring may differ from those conceived without ART, and previous studies have reported differences in behaviour and mental health, particularly in childhood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The Growing Up Healthy Study (GUHS) is a prospective cohort study, investigating the long-term health of offspring conceived after ART (aged 14, 17 and 20 years), in the two operational fertility clinics in Western Australia 1991-2001 (n = 303). Their long-term health outcomes were compared to those of offspring conceived without ART from the Raine Study Generation 2 (Gen2) born 1989-1991 (n = 2868). Both cohorts are representative of the local adolescent population. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Mental health parameters and behaviour were assessed at ages 14 and 17 years, through the parent completed 'Child Behaviour Checklist' (CBCL; ART versus non-ART: age 14 years: N = 150 versus N = 1781, age 17 years: N = 160 versus N = 1351), and the adolescent completed equivalent 'Youth Self-Report' (YSR; age 14 years: by N = 151 versus N = 1557, age 17 years: N = 161 and N = 1232). Both tools generate a T-score (standardized for age and sex) for internalizing (withdrawn, somatic complaints, anxious/depressed), externalizing (delinquent/aggressive behaviour) and total behaviour. Adolescents also completed the 'Beck Depression Inventory for Youth' (BDI-Y; age 14 years: N = 151 versus N = 1563, age 17 years: N = 161 versus N = 1219). Higher scores indicate poorer mental health and behaviour on all the above tools. Parent-reported doctor-diagnosed conditions (anxiety, behavioural problems, attention problems and depression) were also univariately compared between the cohorts. In addition, univariate comparisons were conducted between the GUHS adolescents and Gen2 adolescents born to subfertile parents (time to pregnancy >12 months), as well as between offspring born to subfertile versus fertile parents within the Gen2 cohort. A subgroup analysis excluding offspring born preterm (<37 weeks' gestation) or at low birthweight (<2500 g) was also performed. Generalized estimating equations that account for correlated familial data were adjusted for the following covariates: non-singleton, primiparity, primary caregiver smoking, family financial problems, socio-economic status and both maternal and paternal ages at conception. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE At both 14 and 17 years of age, ART versus non-ART-conceived adolescents reported lower mean T-scores for externalizing problems (age 14 years: 49 versus 51, P = 0.045, age 17 years: 49 versus 52, P < 0.001). A similar effect was reported by parents, although not significant (age 14 years: P = 0.293, age 17 years: P = 0.148). Fewer ART-conceived adolescents reported a T-score above the clinical cut-off for externalizing behaviour (≥60; age 14 years: 7.3% versus 16.3%, P = 0.003, age 17 years: 8.1% versus 19.7%, P < 0.001). At both ages, no differences in internalizing behaviour were reported by adolescents (age 14 years: P = 0.218, age 17 years: P = 0.717); however, higher mean scores were reported by parents of the ART-conceived adolescents than by parents of the non-ART conceived adolescents (age 14 years: 51 versus 48, P = 0.027, age 17 years: 50 versus 46, P < 0.001). No differences in internalizing behaviour above the clinical cut-off (T-score ≥ 60) were observed. At age 17 years, parents who conceived through ART reported higher total behaviour scores than those parents who conceived without ART (48 versus 45, P = 0.002). At age 14 years, ART versus non-ART-conceived adolescents reported significantly higher mean scores on the BDI-Y (9 versus 6, P = 0.005); a higher percentage of adolescents with a score indicating clinical depression (≥17; 12.6% versus 8.5%, aOR 2.37 (1.18-4.77), P = 0.016), as well as more moderate/severe depression (≥21; 9.3% versus 4.0%, P = 0.009). At age 17 years, no differences were reported on the BDI-Y. There was also a higher percentage of parent-reported doctor-diagnosed anxiety in the ART cohort (age 14 years: 8.6% versus 3.5%, P = 0.002, at age 17 years: 12.0% versus 4.5%, P < 0.001). Removing adolescents born preterm or at low birthweight did not alter the above results. Comparing outcomes between GUHS adolescents and Gen2 adolescents born to subfertile parents, as well as between those born to subfertile versus fertile parents within Gen2, did not alter results for CBCL and YSR outcomes. Those born to subfertile parents showed higher rates of clinical depression than those born to fertile parents at age 14 years (13.7% versus 6.9%, P = 0.035). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitation of the study is the time difference between the GUHS and Gen2 assessments. Even though we have adjusted for covariates, additional socio-economic and lifestyle factors affecting behaviour and mental well-being could have changed. We were unable to differentiate between different types of ART (e.g. IVF versus ICSI), owing to the low number of ICSI cycles at the time of study. Fertility sub-analyses need to be replicated in larger cohorts to increase power, potentially using siblingship designs. Lastly, selection bias may be present. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The reported lower prevalence of externalizing behaviour (delinquent/aggressive), and higher prevalence of internalizing behaviour, as well as more (clinical) depression at age 14 years, in ART versus non-ART-conceived adolescents, is in line with some previous studies, mostly conducted in childhood. It is reassuring that differences in the rates of depression were not observed at age 17 years, however, these findings require replication. As the use of ART is common, and mental health disorders are increasing, knowledge about a potential association is important for parents and healthcare providers alike. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was funded by an NHMRC Grant (Hart et al., ID 1042269). R.J.H. is the Medical Director of Fertility Specialists of Western Australia and a shareholder in Western IVF. He has received educational sponsorship from MSD, Merck-Serono and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. P.B. is the Scientific Director of Concept Fertility Centre, Subiaco, Western Australia. J.L.Y. is the Medical Director of PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, Western Australia. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Wijs
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - D A Doherty
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Women and Infants Research Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - J A Keelan
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Women and Infants Research Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P Burton
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Concept Fertility Centre, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - J L Yovich
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - M Robinson
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - R J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Aoki S, Hashimoto K, Ogawa K, Horikawa R, Sago H. Developmental outcomes in Japanese preschool‐age children conceived through assisted reproductive technology. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:2847-2852. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.15386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Aoki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Keiji Hashimoto
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Showa University School of Medicine Yokohama Japan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism National Center for Child Health and Development Tokyo Japan
| | - Kohei Ogawa
- Center for Maternal‐Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine National Center for Child Health and Development Tokyo Japan
| | - Reiko Horikawa
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism National Center for Child Health and Development Tokyo Japan
| | - Haruhiko Sago
- Center for Maternal‐Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine National Center for Child Health and Development Tokyo Japan
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Roychoudhury S, Lodha A, Synnes A, Abou Mehrem A, Canning R, Banihani R, Beltempo M, Theriault K, Yang J, Shah PS, Soraisham AS, Ting J, Abou Mehrem A, Alvaro R, Adie M, Ng E, Pelausa E, Beltempo M, Claveau M, Barrington K, Lapoint A, Ethier G, Drolet C, Piedboeuf B, Afifi J, Dahlgren L, Wood S, Metcalfe A, O’Quinn C, Helewa M, Taboun F, Melamed N, Abenhaim H, Wou K, Gratton R, Boucoiran I, Taillefer C, Theriault K, Allen V, Synnes A, Grunau R, Hendson L, Moddemann D, de Cabo C, Nwaesei C, Church P, Banihani R, Pelausa E, Nguyen KA, Khairy M, Beltempo M, Dorval V, Luu TM, Bélanger S, Afifi J. Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants conceived by assisted reproductive technology. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:276.e1-276.e9. [PMID: 33798481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been concerns about the development of children conceived through assisted reproductive technology. Despite multiple studies investigating the outcomes of assisted conception, data focusing specifically on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and born preterm are limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate and compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestation at 18 to 24 months' corrected age who were conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those who were conceived naturally. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective cohort study included inborn, nonanomalous infants, born at <29 weeks' gestation between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, who had a neurodevelopmental assessment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age at any of the 10 Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinics. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 24 months, defined as the presence of any of the following: cerebral palsy; Bayley-III cognitive, motor, or language composite score of <85; sensorineural or mixed hearing loss; and unilateral or bilateral visual impairment. Secondary outcomes included mortality, composite of mortality or neurodevelopmental impairment, significant neurodevelopmental impairment, and each component of the primary outcome. We compared outcomes between infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those conceived naturally, using bivariate and multivariable analyses after adjustment. RESULTS Of the 4863 eligible neonates, 651 (13.4%) were conceived using assisted reproductive technology. Maternal age; education level; and rates of diabetes mellitus, receipt of antenatal corticosteroids, and cesarean delivery were higher in the assisted reproduction group than the natural conception group. Neonatal morbidity and death rates were similar except for intraventricular hemorrhage, which was lower in the assisted reproduction group (33% [181 of 546] vs 39% [1284 of 3318]; P=.01). Of the 4176 surviving infants, 3386 (81%) had a follow-up outcome at 18 to 24 months' corrected age. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for gestational age, antenatal steroids, sex, small for gestational age, multiple gestations, mode of delivery, maternal age, maternal education, pregnancy-induced hypertension, maternal diabetes mellitus, and smoking showed that infants conceived through assisted reproduction was associated with lower odds of neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.86) and the composite of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.84). Conception through assisted reproductive technology was associated with decreased odds of a Bayley-III composite cognitive score of <85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.99) and composite language score of <85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.88). CONCLUSION Compared with natural conception, assisted conception was associated with lower odds of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially cognitive and language outcomes, at 18 to 24 months' corrected age among preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestation. Long-term follow-up studies are required to assess the risks of learning disabilities and development of complex visual-spatial and processing skills in these children as they reach school age.
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Goisis A, Palma M. Medically assisted reproduction and parent-child relationships during adolescence: evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:702-711. [PMID: 33394012 PMCID: PMC7891809 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the parent–child relationships of adolescents born after medically assisted reproduction (MAR) using the parents’ own gametes differ from those of adolescents born after natural conception (NC)? SUMMARY ANSWER MAR and NC families have similar parent–child relationships in terms of closeness and conflict frequency, except that MAR mothers report being closer to their children than NC mothers. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Prior work on parent–child relationships during childhood has reported mixed findings. While some studies have documented no differences between MAR and NC families, others have shown that MAR families have greater levels of warmth and positive feelings than NC families. Evidence on parent–child relationships during the adolescent period is generally positive but is limited because of the small number of existing studies and the reliance on small samples. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This work is based on the UK Millennium Cohort Study, whose study members were born in 2000–2002. The analyses focused on Sweep 6 which was collected when cohort members were around 14 years old. We also relied on variables collected in Sweep 1, when cohort members were aged around 9 months, to account for characteristics that could confound or mediate the relationship between MAR and our outcomes. The attrition rate between Sweeps 1 and 6 was 36.7%. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The final sample consisted of 10 233 cohort members, 320 of whom were conceived with the help of MAR (3.1%). A total of six dependent variables were used to measure, when the cohort members were around 14 years old, levels of parent–child closeness and conflict, reported separately by the mother, the father and the cohort member. Linear models were used to analyse the association between parent–child relationships before and after adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics and mental health. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Sweep 6 achieved a response rate of 76.3% of the eligible sample. The results show that, on average, MAR and NC families had similar parent–child relationships in terms of closeness and conflict frequency. The only difference was that MAR mothers reported being closer to their children than NC mothers both before (β = 0.149, P < 0.05) and after (β = 0.102, P < 0.1) adjustment for family socio-demographic characteristics and mental health. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The outcome variables are self-reported by each of the respondents and could be subject to social desirability bias. Second, some parents may have not reported they conceived through donor insemination, which could result in the analytical sample including a small subset of children who were not genetically related to their parents. Third, the data did not include information about whether the children were aware of their conception mode, since the Millennium Cohort Study did not collect information on MAR disclosure. Moreover, they did not allow us to study other aspects of parent–child relationships. Finally, as we observed parent–child relationships at only one moment in time; we were unable to test whether they changed over time. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results suggest that the difficulties and the stress parents underwent to conceive through MAR did not translate into more difficult parent–child relationships during adolescence. Given the increasing number of children conceived via MAR, the finding that MAR and NC families had similar parent–child relationships in terms of closeness and conflict frequency is reassuring. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by European Research Council agreement n. 803959 (MARTE to A.G.). The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER n/a
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Goisis
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Social Research Institute, UCL, London, UK.,Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Maria Palma
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Social Research Institute, UCL, London, UK
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Farhi A, Glasser S, Gabis LV, Hirsh-Yechezkel G, Frank S, Brinton L, Scoccia B, Ron-El R, Orvieto R, Lerner-Geva L. How Are They Doing? Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at School Age of Children Born Following Assisted Reproductive Treatments. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:262-271. [PMID: 33135961 DOI: 10.1177/0883073820967169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess major neurodevelopmental aspects of children conceived by assisted reproductive treatments compared to spontaneously conceived children during the early school years. MATERIAL & METHODS In this follow-up study, mothers of 358 children born following assisted reproductive treatments and 401 spontaneously-conceived children were interviewed by telephone regarding their children's health and development, when the children were 7-8 years old. The main outcomes were maternal responses to 4 questionnaires: Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, Short Sensory Profile, Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, and the Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) Child Symptom Inventory-4 subscale. Mothers reported diagnoses of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the groups in Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire or Short Sensory Profile scores upon univariate or multivariable analyses. There was a slightly higher but nonsignificant rate of diagnosed ADHD among children in the assisted reproductive treatment group (9.6% vs 5.5%; P = .18); on multivariable analysis, a nonsignificant increase in ADHD was also found for assisted reproductive treatment children (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 0.81-2.61). Regarding the Child Symptom Inventory-4 criteria for ADHD among the children who had never been diagnosed, there was also a slightly higher but nonsignificant rate among the assisted reproductive treatments compared to spontaneously-conceived children on univariate (2.4% vs 1.8%; P = .50) and multivariable analysis (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.27-2.86). Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis or Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire scores were not significantly different; however, 5 of the 6 children with autism spectrum disorder diagnoses were in the assisted reproductive treatment group. CONCLUSIONS Neurodevelopmental measures were similar in both groups, although nonconclusive regarding ADHD and autism spectrum disorder risk. These findings contribute to the knowledge regarding long-term assisted reproductive treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Farhi
- Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research Ltd, Women & Children's Health Research Unit, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Saralee Glasser
- Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research Ltd, Women & Children's Health Research Unit, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Lidia V Gabis
- Weinberg Child Development Center, Safra Children's Hospital, 26744Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,School of Public Health, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Galit Hirsh-Yechezkel
- Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research Ltd, Women & Children's Health Research Unit, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Shay Frank
- Weinberg Child Development Center, Safra Children's Hospital, 26744Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Louise Brinton
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Bert Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Raphael Ron-El
- School of Public Health, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Assaf Harofe Medical Center, Infertility & IVF Unit, Israel
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- School of Public Health, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 26744Sheba Medical Center, Infertility & IVF Unit, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Liat Lerner-Geva
- Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research Ltd, Women & Children's Health Research Unit, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,School of Public Health, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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10
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Allan HT, van den Akker O, Culley L, Mounce G, Odelius A, Symon A. An integrative literature review of psychosocial factors in the transition to parenthood following non-donor-assisted reproduction compared with spontaneously conceiving couples. HUM FERTIL 2019; 24:249-266. [PMID: 31328586 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2019.1640901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The paper reports an integrative literature review of research into the psychosocial factors which shape the transition to parenthood in couples following non-donor in vitro fertilization in comparison with those conceiving spontaneously. Nineteen papers of non-donor IVF and SC mothers and fathers were included. Differences between groups were reported for a range of psychosocial measures during the transition from pregnancy to parenthood including: the control couples feel they have over their lives (locus of control), parental adjustment and child behaviour, parental stress, parental investment in the child, self-esteem and self-efficacy, greater levels of protectiveness (separation anxiety) towards child, marital and family functioning, family alliance, marital satisfaction and communication, as well as anxiety, indirect aggression and lowered respect for the child. We have conceptualised these differences as three substantive themes which reflect psychosocial factors shaping transition to parenthood in parents after non-donor AR: namely social support, relationships and emotional well-being, which are in turn influenced by gender differences. These findings have implications for health care professionals' assessment of individual couples' support needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen T Allan
- a Faculty of Health and Education, Middlesex University , London , UK
| | - O van den Akker
- b Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University , London , UK
| | - Lorraine Culley
- c School of Applied Social Sciences, Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort, University , Leicester , UK
| | - Ginny Mounce
- d Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Anki Odelius
- a Faculty of Health and Education, Middlesex University , London , UK
| | - Andrew Symon
- e School of Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Dundee , Dundee , UK
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11
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Catford SR, McLachlan RI, O'Bryan MK, Halliday JL. Long-term follow-up of ICSI-conceived offspring compared with spontaneously conceived offspring: a systematic review of health outcomes beyond the neonatal period. Andrology 2018; 6:635-653. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. R. Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton VIC Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Monash University; Clayton VIC Australia
- Public Health Genetics; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Parkville VIC Australia
| | - R. I. McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton VIC Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Monash University; Clayton VIC Australia
| | - M. K. O'Bryan
- The School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton VIC Australia
| | - J. L. Halliday
- Public Health Genetics; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Parkville VIC Australia
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville VIC Australia
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12
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Aoki S, Hashimoto K, Ogawa K, Horikawa R, Sago H. Developmental outcomes of Japanese children born through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in toddlerhood. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2018; 44:929-935. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Aoki
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research; National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba; Tokyo Japan
| | - Keiji Hashimoto
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine and Developmental Evaluation Center; National Center for Child Health and Development; Tokyo Japan
| | - Kohei Ogawa
- Maternal-Fetal Neonatal Medicine; National Center for Child Health and Development; Tokyo Japan
| | - Reiko Horikawa
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism; National Center for Child Health and Development; Tokyo Japan
| | - Haruhiko Sago
- Maternal-Fetal Neonatal Medicine; National Center for Child Health and Development; Tokyo Japan
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13
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Pereira N, O’Neill C, Lu V, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. The safety of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and long-term outcomes. Reproduction 2017; 154:F61-F70. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The pioneering of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) approximately 25 years ago revolutionized the treatment of infertile couples. Today, ICSI remains an indispensable part of assisted reproductive treatments (ART) and has resulted in the birth of millions of babies. The 25th anniversary of ICSI marks a chronologic landmark in its evolving history. This landmark also serves as an opportunity to thoroughly appraise the safety of ICSI and analyze the long-term outcomes of ICSI-conceived children. In this review, we collate and analyze salient data accrued over the past 25 years pertaining to the long-term safety of ICSI and ICSI conceptions. We also evaluate the effects of ICSI on the perinatal outcomes, congenital malformation rates, cognitive development and reproductive health of ICSI-conceived neonates, children, adolescents and adults, respectively. In doing so, we also highlight the existence of potential confounders and biases that frequently obscure the interpretation of clinical follow-up studies.
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14
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Catford SR, McLachlan RI, O'Bryan MK, Halliday JL. Long-term follow-up of intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection-conceived offspring compared with in vitro fertilization-conceived offspring: a systematic review of health outcomes beyond the neonatal period. Andrology 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. R. Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Monash University; Clayton Vic. Australia
- Public Health Genetics; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - R. I. McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Monash University; Clayton Vic. Australia
- Monash IVF Group Pty Ltd; Richmond Vic. Australia
| | - M. K. O'Bryan
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology; Development and Stem Cell Program of Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute; Monash University; Clayton Vic. Australia
| | - J. L. Halliday
- Public Health Genetics; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Parkville Vic. Australia
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville Vic. Australia
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15
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Crouch SR, McNair R, Waters E. Impact of family structure and socio-demographic characteristics on child health and wellbeing in same-sex parent families: A cross-sectional survey. J Paediatr Child Health 2016; 52:499-505. [PMID: 27144884 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Children with same-sex attracted parents develop well in terms of their health and wellbeing. There are many recognised factors that have an impact on child health, in general, including individual, family and wider social mediators. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of family structure and socio-demographic characteristics on child health and wellbeing in Australian same-sex parent families. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of self-identified same-sex attracted parents from across Australia was used to collect information on child health and wellbeing between May and December 2012. Mixed-effects multiple linear regression models were used to identify associations between family structure/socio-demographic characteristics and child wellbeing. Child health outcomes were measured using the Child Health Questionnaire and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS In same-sex parent families, biological relationships, parental gender and parental education were not significantly associated with health and wellbeing. Parental income, rurality and stable parental relationships were associated with health and wellbeing, and living in a single-parent household was associated with poorer wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Stable dual parent families offer good outcomes for children with same-sex attracted parents. Family processes are most important. This study does not support the assertion that children require both male and female parents, nor that biological relationships are essential to health and wellbeing. This study provides scientific data from a cross-sectional Australian-based study to describe and understand health determinants for children in family contexts that comprise same-sex parent and all family contexts. It recommends equitable, stigma-free family support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Robert Crouch
- The Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, The Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ruth McNair
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Waters
- The Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, The Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Matsubara K, Murakami N, Fukami M, Kagami M, Nagai T, Ogata T. Risk assessment of medically assisted reproduction and advanced maternal ages in the development of Prader-Willi syndrome due to UPD(15)mat. Clin Genet 2015; 89:614-9. [PMID: 26526156 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that disomic oocyte-mediated uniparental disomy 15 (UPD(15)mat) is increased in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) born after medically assisted reproduction (MAR). However, it remains unknown whether the increase is primarily due to MAR procedure itself or advanced maternal childbearing ages as a predisposing factor for the disomic oocyte production. To examine this matter, we studied 122 naturally conceived PWS patients (PWS-NC group) and 13 MAR-conceived patients (PWS-MAR group). The relative frequency of disomic oocyte-mediated UPD(15)mat was significantly higher in PWS-MAR group than in PWS-NC group (7/13 vs 20/122, p = 0.0045), and the maternal childbearing ages were significantly higher in PWS-MAR group than in PWS-NC group [median (range), 38 (26-45) vs 30 (19-42), p = 0.0015]. However, the logistic regression analysis revealed no significant association between the occurrence of disomic oocyte-mediated UPD(15)mat and MAR, after adjusting for childbearing age (p = 0.25). Consistent with this, while the frequency of assisted reproductive technology (ART)-conceived livebirths was higher in the PWS patients than in the Japanese general population (6.4% vs 1.1%, p = 0.00018), the distribution of childbearing ages was significantly skewed to the increased ages in the PWS patients (p < 2.2 × 10(-16) ). These results argue against a positive association of MAR procedure itself with the development of UPD(15)mat.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Matsubara
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University Koshigaya Hospital, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - N Murakami
- Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University Koshigaya Hospital, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - M Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Kagami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Nagai
- Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University Koshigaya Hospital, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - T Ogata
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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17
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Punamäki RL, Tiitinen A, Lindblom J, Unkila-Kallio L, Flykt M, Vänskä M, Poikkeus P, Tulppala M. Mental health and developmental outcomes for children born after ART: a comparative prospective study on child gender and treatment type. Hum Reprod 2015; 31:100-7. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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18
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Winter C, Van Acker F, Bonduelle M, Desmyttere S, Nekkebroeck J. Psychosocial development of full term singletons, born after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) at preschool age and family functioning: a prospective case-controlled study and multi-informant approach. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1122-36. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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19
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Morar N. An empirically informed critique of Habermas' argument from human nature. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2015; 21:95-113. [PMID: 24446150 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-013-9509-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In a near-future world of bionics and biotechnology, the main ethical and political issue will be the definition of who we are. Could biomedical enhancements transform us to such an extent that we would be other than human? Habermas argues that any genetic enhancement intervention that could potentially alter 'human nature' should be morally prohibited since it alters the child's nature or the very essence that makes the child who he is. This practice also commits the child to a specific life project or, in any case, it puts specific restrictions on his freedom to choose a life of his own. Ultimately, genetic enhancement jeopardizes the very foundations of moral equality. I contend that Habermas' argument is based either on a series of presuppositions that imply a gross misunderstanding of evolution or the relevant factual information concerning the action we are about to morally assess is not empirically supported. Hence, the argument from human nature is based on a series of false or problematic assumptions, and, as such, it fails to play the normative role intended by Habermas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolae Morar
- The Rock Ethics Institute, Penn State University, 206 Sparks Bldg., University Park, PA, 16802, USA,
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20
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Zhan QT, Pan PP, Xu XR, Lou HY, Lou YY, Jin F. An overview of studies on psychological well-being in children born following assisted reproductive technologies. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2014; 14:947-60. [PMID: 24190441 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1300101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the course of the past 35 years, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been increasingly used worldwide, while debates on their safety have been generated. Birth defects and imprinting disorders were reported in previous research. Thus, the psychological development of children born following ARTs has become a major concern nowadays. This review gives a systematic view of psychological well-being of children conceived by different types of ART, including in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening, and in vitro maturation. The previous studies are analyzed in three sections: (1) cognitive, motor, and language developments, (2) behavior problems and socio-emotional development, and (3) parent-child relationship. We conclude that although the majority of the studies on cognitive, motor, and language developments reported comparable achievements in the ART group vs. the naturally conceived group, lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores, worse visual-motor ability or locomotor development, and delayed receptive language competence were found in the ART group. The results on the socio-emotional development were reassuring. As for the behavior problems, a higher prevalence of behavior problems existed in ART children; moreover, ICSI children were found to be at a higher risk of autism than the general population. Meanwhile, ART parents tended to have positive parental attitudes and be more protective of their children. Some suggestions for further research are also given in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-tao Zhan
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
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21
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No increase in autism-associated genetic events in children conceived by assisted reproduction. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:388-93. [PMID: 24842673 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the rate of genetic events in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who were exposed to assisted reproduction. DESIGN Case control study using genetics data. SETTING Twelve collaborating data collection sites across North America as part of the Simons Simplex Collection. PATIENT(S) 2,760 children with ASD, for whom 1,994 had published copy number variation data and 424 had published gene mutation status available. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Rates of autism-associated genetic events in children with ASD conceived with assisted reproduction versus those conceived naturally. RESULT(S) No statistically significant differences in copy number variations or autism-associated gene-disrupting events were found when comparing ASD patients exposed to assisted reproduction with those not exposed to assisted reproduction. CONCLUSION(S) This is the first large genetic association to concurrently examine the genotype of individuals with ASD in relation to their exposure to ART versus natural conception, and it adds reassuring evidence to the argument that ART does not increase the risk of ASD.
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22
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Udell JA, Lu H, Redelmeier DA. Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk in Women Prescribed Fertility Therapy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; 62:1704-1712. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.05.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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23
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Gay men seeking surrogacy to achieve parenthood. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:271-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Bay B, Mortensen EL, Hvidtjørn D, Kesmodel US. Fertility treatment and risk of childhood and adolescent mental disorders: register based cohort study. BMJ 2013; 347:f3978. [PMID: 23833075 PMCID: PMC3702157 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.f3978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the mental health of children born after fertility treatment by comparing their risk of mental disorders with that of spontaneously conceived children. DESIGN Prospective register based cohort study. SETTING Nationwide register based information from Danish National Health Registers cross linked by a unique personal identification number assigned to all citizens in Denmark. PARTICIPANTS All children born in Denmark in 1995-2003 with follow-up in 2012 when the children were aged 8-17; 33,139 children were conceived after fertility treatment and 555,828 children were born after spontaneous conception. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Absolute risks and hazard ratios for overall and specific mental disorders estimated with adjustment for potential confounding variables. Estimated association between the risk of mental disorders and subtypes of procedures, hormone treatments, gamete types, and cause of infertility. RESULTS The risk of mental disorders in children born after in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection was low, and was no higher than in spontaneously conceived children, except for a borderline significant increased risk of tic disorders (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.95; absolute risk 0.3%). In contrast, children born after ovulation induction with or without insemination had low but significantly increased risks of any mental disorder (1.20, 1.11 to 1.31; absolute risk 4.1%), autism spectrum disorders (1.20, 1.05 to 1.37; 1.5%), hyperkinetic disorders (1.23, 1.08 to 1.40; 1.7%), conduct, emotional, or social disorder (1.21, 1.02 to 1.45; 0.8%), and tic disorders (1.51, 1.16 to 1.96; 0.4%). There was no risk systematically related to any specific type of hormone drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS There was a small increase in the incidence of mental disorders in children born after ovulation induction/intrauterine insemination. Children born after in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection were found to have overall risk comparable with children conceived spontaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Bay
- School of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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25
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Bay B, Mortensen EL, Kesmodel US. Assisted reproduction and child neurodevelopmental outcomes: a systematic review. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:844-53. [PMID: 23810272 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the existing literature on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born after medically assisted reproduction compared with those of children born after spontaneous conception. DESIGN Systematic review. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Children born after medically assisted reproduction vs. reference groups of spontaneously conceived children. INTERVENTION(S) Data were reviewed from worldwide published articles, without restrictions as to publication year or language. A total of 80 studies included between 31 and 2,446,044 children. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Child neurodevelopmental outcomes categorized as cognitive, behavioral, emotional or psychomotor development, or diagnoses of mental disorders. RESULT(S) For infants, studies on psychomotor development showed no deficits, but few investigated cognitive or behavioral development. Studies on toddlers generally reported normal cognitive, behavioral, socio-emotional, and psychomotor development. For children in middle childhood, development seems comparable in children born after assisted reproduction and controls, although fewer studies have been conducted with follow-up to this age. Very few studies have assessed neurodevelopmental outcomes among teens, and the results are inconclusive. Studies investigating the risk of diagnoses of mental disorders are generally large, with long follow-up, but the results are inconsistent. CONCLUSION(S) It may tentatively be concluded that the neurodevelopment of children born after fertility treatment is overall comparable to that in children born after spontaneous conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Bay
- Section of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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26
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Hart R, Norman RJ. The longer-term health outcomes for children born as a result of IVF treatment. Part II--Mental health and development outcomes. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19:244-50. [PMID: 23449643 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data exist with regard to longer-term mental health and psychological functioning of children born from IVF treatment. With the known adverse perinatal outcome for children born from IVF treatment, it would be expected that there is a negative impact upon their mental development. METHODS A search strategy restricted to studies relating to the medical condition of children of at least 1 year of age, born from IVF treatment was performed to include case series, data linkage and prospective studies published from 1 January 2000 to 1 April 2012. RESULTS Limited long-term follow-up data suggest that there is an increase in the incidence of cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental delay related to the confounders of prematurity and low birthweight. Previous reports of associations with autism and attention-deficit disorder are believed to be related to maternal and obstetric factors. There exists a potential increase in the prevalence of early adulthood clinical depression and binge drinking in the offspring of IVF, with the reassuring data of no changes with respect to cognitive development, school performance, social functioning and behaviour. Whether these potential associations are related to the IVF treatment, the adverse obstetric outcomes associated with IVF treatment, the genetic or subsequent environmental influences on the children is yet to be determined. CONCLUSIONS In general, the longer-term mental and emotional health outcome for children born from IVF treatment is reassuring, and is very similar to that of naturally conceived children; however, further studies are required to explore any association with depression, and its causality in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Hart
- School of Women's and Infant's Health, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Perth, WA 6008, Australia.
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Benagiano G, Carrara S, Filippi V. Social and ethical determinants of sexuality: 4. Sexuality and families. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2012; 17:329-39. [PMID: 22974432 DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2012.702810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the evolving relationship between sexuality and family formation. New family units exist today whose impact on society needs to be explored. METHODS For each main area researched (anthropology, biology, sociology, sexology, ethics) we identified articles dealing with family formation, sexuality and reproduction using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google, religious websites and texts. RESULTS The three monotheistic religions and the cultures derived from these have considered sexuality as focused on reproduction. Presently, sexuality has acquired new dimensions, independent from reproduction, as contraception and IVF have separated procreation and sexuality. Thus, the very concept of family has been expanded and so-called 'unusual families' have proved not to be a danger per se for children born and raised within them. CONCLUSIONS Human sexuality has moved away from having a purely reproductive function, but remains a powerful bond keeping families together, irrespective of the gender identity and the biological links of their members. Even among traditional societies, different types of families exist and the situation has become more complex as technical developments have made parenthood possible for people who in the past were excluded from it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
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Dupont C, Sifer C. A Review of Outcome Data concerning Children Born following Assisted Reproductive Technologies. ISRN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2012; 2012:405382. [PMID: 22778982 PMCID: PMC3385632 DOI: 10.5402/2012/405382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTS) are used for more than 30 years to help infertile couples. Concerns about long-term health of children conceived following ART have led to start follow-up studies. Despite methodological limitations and discrepant results, many of the studies and meta-analyses have reported an increased risk of birth defects after ART. Etiologies may be multiple births, a major drawback of ART, parents' subfertility, or technologies themselves. Prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) seem to cause most of the pathologies reported in ART children. Nevertheless, epigenetic disorders need to be followed up since increases of imprinting diseases were reported. Consequently, alteration of gametes and early embryo development with ART may have consequences on children health since periconceptional period is critical for long-term development. Yet general condition of most of children conceived with ART is reassuring, but long-term followup is still strongly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Dupont
- Service d'Histologie-Embryologie-Cytogénétique, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Jean Verdier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 93140 Bondy, France
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Bergh C, Wennerholm UB. Obstetric outcome and long-term follow up of children conceived through assisted reproduction. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2012; 26:841-52. [PMID: 22677311 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 04/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Most children born after assisted reproduction techniques are healthy. The most important risk associated with in-vitro fertilisation is the higher multiple birth rate, which may result in increased child morbidity because several embryos are transferred at each cycle. Single-embryo transfer reduces this risk dramatically. Large registry studies and meta-analyses have indicated a small but statistically significantly increased risk of congenital malformations among children born after in-vitro fertilisation. Other risks, such as preterm birth and low birth weight seem to be associated more with parental characteristics than the in-vitro fertilisation technique. All knowledge about children conceived through in-vitro fertilisation is based on observational studies, with risks of bias and confounders. It is possible that pregnancies and children resulting from in-vitro fertilisation are more carefully monitored and seek health care more frequently, resulting in more health problems being discovered. Continuous follow up of children after in-vitro fertilisation is of great importance, particularly as new techniques are constantly being introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Halliday J. Outcomes for offspring of men having ICSI for male factor infertility. Asian J Androl 2011; 14:116-20. [PMID: 22157986 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the introduction of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using single sperm isolated from testicular tissue in men with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia, or using ejaculated sperm in those with poor semen quality, there have been concerns that this might have adverse effects on the offspring compared to conventional in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and natural conceptions. ICSI is done for reasons other than male factor infertility, and on the whole has not been shown to have any more negative effects than those seen with IVF. There have however, been very few studies of ICSI with a focus on, or large enough numbers to examine, the specific outcomes associated with male factor infertility. From the limited information available in relation to the source of the sperm and aetiology of infertility in the presence of ICSI, there appears to be no increased risk of congenital malformations. There is, however, a small increase in both de novo and inherited chromosome abnormalities. In terms of growth and neurodevelopment, there are very few studies, and so far, no adverse outcomes have been found in young children whose fathers have a sperm defect. The origin of the sperm used in ICSI does not have a major influence on the early life outcomes for the offspring, but transgenerational and epigenetic effects remain unknown. When the male factor infertility is known or thought to be due to a Y-chromosome deletion, this information should be given to the young male offspring at a time that will ensure his own reproductive health and plans are optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Halliday
- Public Health Genetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
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Comparison of naturally conceived and IVF-DZ twins in the Netherlands Twin Registry: a developmental study. J Pregnancy 2011; 2011:517614. [PMID: 22132337 PMCID: PMC3216262 DOI: 10.1155/2011/517614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In a large set of twin pairs, we compared twins born after IVF to naturally conceived twins with respect to birth characteristics, growth, attainment of motor milestones, and emotional and behavioral problems. Twin families were registered with the Netherlands Twin Register. We included 1534 dizygotic (DZ) twins born after IVF, 5315 naturally conceived (NC) DZ twins, and 1504 control NC DZ twins who were matched to the IVF twins based on maternal age, maternal educational level, smoking during pregnancy, gestational age, and offspring sex. Data were obtained by longitudinal surveys sent to fathers, mothers, and teachers at ages 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, and 12 years. Results showed no differences in growth, in attainment of motor milestones, and in behavioral development between IVF and matched NC twins. It can be concluded that for nearly all aspects, development in IVF and NC children is similar.
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Zhu JL, Obel C, Basso O, Henriksen TB, Bech BH, Hvidtjørn D, Olsen J. Infertility, infertility treatment and behavioural problems in the offspring. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2011; 25:466-77. [PMID: 21819428 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2011.01220.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Behavioural patterns in children of infertile couples may be influenced by both the underlying causes of infertility and stress in the couples. Treatment procedures, such as culture media and manipulation of gametes and embryos, may also result in developmental problems. We examined behavioural problems in children as a function of infertility and infertility treatment, using data from three population-based birth cohorts in Denmark (Aalborg-Odense Birth Cohort, Aarhus Birth Cohort and Danish National Birth Cohort). Information on time to pregnancy and infertility treatment was collected during pregnancy. Children aged between 7 and 21 years were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The SDQ was completed by mothers in all cohorts and, in addition, by teachers in the Aarhus cohort and by children themselves in the Aalborg-Odense cohort. Children born after a time to pregnancy of >12 months and no infertility treatment had a behavioural pattern similar to children of fertile parents. Teachers reported a higher total difficulties score for children born after infertility treatment, but no significant differences were seen on any subscales of the teachers' report, and neither the mothers nor the children reported any differences on the total difficulties score and the prosocial behaviour score. Our results are thus overall reassuring regarding behavioural problems in children born to infertile couples, regardless of infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liang Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Aarhus Department of Paediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Savage T, Peek J, Hofman PL, Cutfield WS. Childhood outcomes of assisted reproductive technology. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:2392-400. [PMID: 21724570 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a large population of children conceived via assisted reproductive technology (ART), which continues to increase worldwide, without a clear understanding of associated long-term outcomes. ART children are more likely to be the result of multiple pregnancies, and thus to be born prematurely or low birthweight. There is growing evidence that ART children are phenotypically and biochemically different from naturally conceived children, but the mechanism(s) leading to these changes have not been elucidated. There is a possible increased risk of rare imprinted gene disorders in these children. However, it remains unclear whether more subtle changes in DNA methylation occur commonly, leading to differences in gene expression and phenotype in ART children. Although an increased risk of cancer among ART children has been reported, the role of ART in the development of cancer has not been demonstrated. Further research and ongoing surveillance of ART children is essential to better understand the possible effects of ART on the long-term health of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Savage
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Záchia S, Knauth D, Goldim JR, Chachamovich JR, Chachamovich E, Paz AH, Felberbaum R, Crosignani P, Tarlatzis BC, Passos EP. Assisted reproduction: what factors interfere in the professional's decisions? Are single women an issue? BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2011; 11:21. [PMID: 21627812 PMCID: PMC3125239 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6874-11-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background With the development of medical technology, many countries around the world have been implementing ethical guidelines and laws regarding Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR). A physician's reproductive decisions are not solely based on technical criteria but are also influenced by society values. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the factors prioritized by MAR professionals when deciding on whether to accept to perform assisted reproduction and to show any existing cultural differences. Methods Cross-sectional study involving 224 healthcare professionals working with assisted reproduction in Brazil, Italy, Germany and Greece. Instrument used for data collection: a questionnaire, followed by the description of four special MAR cases (a single woman, a lesbian couple, an HIV discordant couple and gender selection) which included case-specific questions regarding the professionals' decision on whether to perform the requested procedure as well as the following factors: socio-demographic variables, moral and legal values as well as the technical aspects which influence decision-making. Results Only the case involving a single woman who wishes to have a child (without the intention of having a partner in the future) demonstrated significant differences. Therefore, the study was driven towards the results of this case specifically. The analyses we performed demonstrated that professionals holding a Master's Degree, those younger in age, female professionals, those having worked for less time in reproduction, those in private clinics and Brazilian health professionals all had a greater tendency to perform the procedure in that case. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the reasons for the professional's decision to perform the procedure were the woman's right to gestate and the duty of MAR professionals to help her. The professionals who decided not to perform the procedure identified the woman's marital status and the child's right to a father as the reason to withhold treatment. Conclusion The study indicates differences among countries in the evaluation of the single woman case. It also discloses the undervaluation of bioethics committees and the need for a greater participation of healthcare professionals in debates on assisted reproduction laws.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana Záchia
- Post-Graduate Program in Medicine, Assisted Reproduction Service, Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre 90035-903, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Gameiro S, Canavarro MC, Boivin J, Moura-Ramos M, Soares I, Almeida Santos T. Parental investment in couples who conceived spontaneously or with assisted reproductive techniques. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:1128-37. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Nekkebroeck J, Barnes J, Bonduelle M, Wennerholm UB, Ponjaert-Kristoffersen I, Loft A, Sutcliffe AG. International comparison of parenting styles in ICSI, IVF and natural conception families: Results from a European study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/17405620802217547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Rice F, Harold GT, Boivin J, van den Bree M, Hay DF, Thapar A. The links between prenatal stress and offspring development and psychopathology: disentangling environmental and inherited influences. Psychol Med 2010; 40:335-345. [PMID: 19476689 PMCID: PMC2830085 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291709005911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to prenatal stress is associated with later adverse health and adjustment outcomes. This is generally presumed to arise through early environmentally mediated programming effects on the foetus. However, associations could arise through factors that influence mothers' characteristics and behaviour during pregnancy which are inherited by offspring. METHOD A 'prenatal cross-fostering' design where pregnant mothers are related or unrelated to their child as a result of in vitro fertilization (IVF) was used to disentangle maternally inherited and environmental influences. If links between prenatal stress and offspring outcome are environmental, association should be observed in unrelated as well as related mother-child pairs. Offspring birth weight and gestational age as well as mental health were the outcomes assessed. RESULTS Associations between prenatal stress and offspring birth weight, gestational age and antisocial behaviour were seen in both related and unrelated mother-offspring pairs, consistent with there being environmental links. The association between prenatal stress and offspring anxiety in related and unrelated groups appeared to be due to current maternal anxiety/depression rather than prenatal stress. In contrast, the link between prenatal stress and offspring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was only present in related mother-offspring pairs and therefore was attributable to inherited factors. CONCLUSIONS Genetically informative designs can be helpful in testing whether inherited factors contribute to the association between environmental risk factors and health outcomes. These results suggest that associations between prenatal stress and offspring outcomes could arise from inherited factors and post-natal environmental factors in addition to causal prenatal risk effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Rice
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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Carson C, Kurinczuk JJ, Sacker A, Kelly Y, Klemetti R, Redshaw M, Quigley MA. Cognitive development following ART: effect of choice of comparison group, confounding and mediating factors. Hum Reprod 2009; 25:244-52. [PMID: 19828556 PMCID: PMC2794664 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have examined the health of children born after assisted reproductive technology (ART), with contradictory results. In this article, we address the question ‘Do singletons born after ART have a poorer cognitive developmental outcome at 3 years of age?’ We assess the implications of using different comparison groups, and discuss appropriate analytical approaches for the control of confounding and mediating variables. METHODS Data were drawn from the Millennium Cohort Study. Interviews captured sociodemographic, behavioural and pregnancy information. Developmental assessments conducted at age three included the British Ability Scales II Naming Vocabulary (BAS-NV) instrument. We compared ART infants (born after IVF or ICSI) to four comparison groups: a ‘matched’ group; a ‘subfertile’ group (time to conception >12 months); a ‘fertile’ group (time to conception <12 months); and an ‘any spontaneous conceptions’ group. Linear regression provided estimates of the difference in mean BAS-NV scores in the ART and comparison groups; both unadjusted estimates and those adjusted for confounding and mediating factors are presented. RESULTS In the unadjusted analyses, ART children gained significantly better BAS-NV test results than did the comparison group children. When converted to an estimate of developmental age gap, ART children were 2.5, 2.7, 3.6 and 4.5 months ahead of the ‘matched’, ‘subfertile’, ‘fertile’ and ‘spontaneous conception’ children, respectively. After adjusting for confounding and mediating factors, the differences were reduced, and were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS ART is not associated with poorer cognitive development at 3 years. We have highlighted methodological considerations for researchers planning to study the effect of infertility and ART on childhood outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Carson
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK.
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Ludwig AK, Katalinic A, Entenmann A, Thyen U, Sutcliffe AG, Diedrich K, Ludwig M. Can we sense ART? The blinded examiner is not blind—a problem with follow-up studies on children born after assisted reproduction. Fertil Steril 2009; 92:950-952. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2008] [Revised: 01/12/2009] [Accepted: 01/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Golombok S, Owen L, Blake L, Murray C, Jadva V. Parent–child relationships and the psychological well-being of 18-year-old adolescents conceived byin vitrofertilisation. HUM FERTIL 2009; 12:63-72. [DOI: 10.1080/14647270902725513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
In vitro fertilisation and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection are well recognised techniques for assisted reproduction, helping over 85% of infertile couples conceive within a year, contributing to over 1% of the annual birth rate in the western world. There is currently limited data on the health of these children in later life as the techniques are relatively new. Certain trends have started to emerge with high order births proving to be responsible for a large proportion of premature and low-birth weight infants. The increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with singleton births has been linked to the infertility of the couple rather than the techniques used. This theory has also been suggested to account for the increase in congenital malformations observed. No discrepancies in neurodevelopmental outcome of these children have been established and no detrimental psychological effects on the families have been reported. There has been an increase in childhood illness observed and the future fertility of these children is a major concern for many parents. Further follow up of these children is needed to fully establish the long-term health implications of in vitro fertilisation and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Judith Steel
- Department of Paediatrics, University College London Hospital, London, UK.
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Boivin J, Rice F, Hay D, Harold G, Lewis A, van den Bree MM, Thapar A. Associations between maternal older age, family environment and parent and child wellbeing in families using assisted reproductive techniques to conceive. Soc Sci Med 2009; 68:1948-55. [PMID: 19346045 PMCID: PMC2695509 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2009.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Maternal age effects on parenting and family outcomes are of increasing interest because of the demographic shift toward older maternal age at first birth. Maternal age is also of interest because of the greater use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) to bypass age-related infertility in couples trying to conceive late in the reproductive life cycle of the woman. The aim of the present study was to investigate maternal age effects associated with delayed parenting by comparing families of mothers who gave birth at a younger (<31 years) or older (>38 years) age and to ascertain whether associations were linear associations by comparing these groups to women who had conceived in between these ages (i.e., >31 and <38 years). All children (4-11 year olds) were first-born and conceived using ART. Participants were recruited from one of 20 fertility clinics and mothers (n=642) and fathers (n=439) completed a postal questionnaire about demographic and reproductive characteristics, family environment as well as parent and child wellbeing. Our results demonstrate that parenthood via assisted conception later in the reproductive life cycle is not associated with a negative impact on child wellbeing. Despite maternal age-group differences on demographic (education, income) and reproductive characteristics (bleeding during pregnancy, caesarean rate, breast feeding), and parental warmth and depressive symptoms, child wellbeing was similar across mother age groups. We conclude that the parenting context is different for older mother families (more depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers, less expressed warmth in the couple) but that this difference is not associated with child wellbeing in early and middle childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Boivin
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Rice
- Department of Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dale Hay
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Harold
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Allyson Lewis
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Marianne M.B. van den Bree
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Thapar
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
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Basatemur E, Sutcliffe A. Follow-up of children born after ART. Placenta 2008; 29 Suppl B:135-40. [PMID: 18790325 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2008] [Revised: 08/13/2008] [Accepted: 08/13/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive therapies (ART), namely in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have become widely used in the treatment of human infertility. Children conceived using ART represent a substantial proportion of the population. Follow-up of these children is necessary in order to evaluate the risks of infertility treatment upon subsequently conceived offspring. In recent years there has been considerable work in this field. This review summarises current evidence regarding the health of children conceived following ART, encompassing neonatal outcomes, the risk of congenital malformations, neurodevelopmental outcome, physical health, psychosocial well being, and the risk of cancer. The main risks for the future well being of ART children remain multiple pregnancies and low birth weight. Evidence regarding the outcome of singletons born at term following ART is generally reassuring. It is essential that follow-up of ART children continues as they progress through adolescence into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Basatemur
- Adolescent and General Paediatric Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 250 Euston Road, 6th Floor, London NW1 2PQ, UK
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Nyboe Andersen A, Carlsen E, Loft A. Trends in the use of intracytoplasmatic sperm injection marked variability between countries. Hum Reprod Update 2008; 14:593-604. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmn032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Colpin H, Bossaert G. Adolescents conceived by IVF: parenting and psychosocial adjustment. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:2724-30. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Socio-emotional and language development of 2-year-old children born after PGD/PGS, and parental well-being. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:1849-57. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Nekkebroeck J, Bonduelle M, Ponjaert‐Kristoffersen I. Maternal disclosure attitudes and practices of ICSI/IVF conception vis‐à‐vis a 5‐year‐old child. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/02646830701813343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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49
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Banerjee I, Shevlin M, Taranissi M, Thornhill A, Abdalla H, Ozturk O, Barnes J, Sutcliffe A. Health of children conceived after preimplantation genetic diagnosis: a preliminary outcome study. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 16:376-81. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60599-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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50
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Fehlbildungen und Entwicklung nach assistierter Reproduktion. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-007-0200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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