Congenital Anomaly in Babies Born by In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In infertility clinics, ectosomatic fertilization technique is becoming very popular but there has not been clear documentation of the incidence of congenital anomalies in babies born by this method. The aim of this study were to investigate the incidenceof congenital anomalies in babies born by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to find out risk factors for congenital anomaly. METHODS: The study population was comprised of 275 liveborn babies by IVF with a gestation period of more than 20 weeks. Medical records of these babies and obstetric records of the mothers reviewed. All the congenital anomalies were searched out and many infantile and maternal factors were tabulated. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of congenital anomalies in babies born by IVF. Also fetal echocardiographic records were reviewed to find out fetuses born by IVF and their outcome was reviewed. RESULTS: The incidence of congenital anomalies was 47/275 (17/1%) in babies born in our hospital. Of fetal echocardiographic group, 2/6 had congenital anomalies. Although premature babies were prone to have severe congenital anomalies, there are no statistical correlations between congenital anomalies and hospital in which IVF performed, method of IVF, sex and multiple gestation. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of congenital anomalies seemed to be high in our population, our patient population is probably biased to a higher risk population. There are no statistical risk factors observed except gestational age, but further studies will be necessary.