Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Twins Conceived by In Vitro Fertilization

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm twins conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) with those naturally conceived. METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of 64 children assessed by K-ASQ (Korean ages & stages questionnaires) at 18 month or 24 month of corrected age. Physical growth was evaluated by Z-scores of weight, length and head circumference at 12 months and 24 months. RESULTS: Thirty eight (59.4%) preterm twins were the in vitro fertilization group and 26 (40.6%) preterm twins were in the natural conception group. Significantly higher rate of monochorionicity and small for gestational age were detected in the natural conception group (P value=0.001, P value=0.025, respectively). Z scores of weight, length and head circumference were calculated in 56 (87.5%) infants and 51 (79.7%) infants at 12 months and 24 months, respectively. Physical growth did not differ between the two groups. Fifty nine (92.2%) and 40 (65.2%) preterm twins were assessed by K-ASQ at 18 months and 24 months, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rates of cases scored less than -2 standard deviation below the mean in K-ASQ between the IVF and natural conception groups. CONCLUSION: Growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm twins conceived by IVF were comparable with that of naturally conceived preterm twins.