NKX2.5 and TBX5 gene mutations in in vitro fertilization children with congenital heart disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the differences of NKX2.5 and TBX5 gene mutations between in vitro fertilization (IVF) children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and naturally conceived children with CHD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood samples from 68 IVF children with CHD and 98 naturally conceived children with CHD were collected. The mutations in coding regions 1 and 2 of the NKX2.5 gene, and coding regions 4, 5, and 8 of the TBX5 gene were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>An A-to-G mutation at nucleotide 63 (c.63A>G) in coding region 1 of the NKX2.5 gene was found in both IVF and naturally conceived children with CHD. There were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies at c.63A>G locus of the NKX2.5 gene between the two groups. No mutations were detected in coding region 2 of the NKX2.5 gene and coding regions 4, 5 and 8 of the TBX5 gene.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There is no difference in NKX2.5 and TBX5 gene mutations between IVF and naturally conceived children with CHD. Therefore, it is presumed that assisted reproductive technology may not lead to mutations in the NKX2.5 and TBX5 genes.</p>

Neonatal complications and birth defects in infants conceived by in vitro fertilization / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the survival quality of infants conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to identify the factors that cause birth defects and neonatal complications in IVF infants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study included 150 IVF infants (IVF group) and 200 naturally conceived infants (control group). Indicators such as birth situation, gestational disease, birth defects, and neonatal complications were compared between groups. The influencing factors for birth defects and neonatal complications were analyzed by non-conditional logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the IVF group had increased incidences of twin pregnancy and low birth weight (P<0.01) but decreased average birth weight (P<0.05). In the IVF group, the mother's age was elder, with higher incidence of cesarean section, premature rupture of membranes, and pregnancy complications, as compared with the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of birth defects between the two groups (P>0.05). The IVF group had higher incidence rates of low birth weight and neonatal scleroderma (P<0.05), with a longer hospital stay (P<0.01), as compared with the control group. The non-conditional logistic regression analysis indicated that IVF, prematurity, twin pregnancy, and pregnancy complications were risk factors for low birth weight (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There is no significant difference in the incidence of birth defects between IVF and naturally conceived infants. However, IVF infants have higher incidences of twin pregnancy and low birth weight, with a longer hospital stay, as compared with naturally conceived infants. Natural conceiving, avoiding prematurity, twin pregnancy, and pregnancy complications will reduce the incidence of low birth weight.</p>