Year: 2011
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Previous studies have found an increased rate of malformations in pregnancies conceived via assisted reproductive technologies. The goal of this study was to review the prevalence of fetal abnormalities identified in our center, and to compare these rates to naturally conceived pregnancies. The medical records of an academic fetal diagnostic center were searched for ART pregnancies from 2002–2010. Pregnancies with an EDD after August 2010 were excluded. Data extracted included type of assisted reproductive technology, dating, multiple gestations, placental location, and fetal anomalies detected. Statistical evaluation was performed using STATA 11.1. A total of 714 women were identified. 16 were excluded due to missing data. Thus, 698 women were included, with 731 pregnancies conceived using ART. The mean age at conception was 38.16 years. 428 singleton IVF pregnancies were identified (58.79%). Major malformations were seen in 40 singletons (9.35%). Ultrasound markers were visualized in 48 (11.2%), and intrauterine growth restriction was observed in 19 singletons (4.4%). In comparison to the general population, our cohort demonstrated a statistically higher rate of fetal anomalies (9.35% in this study vs. 3% expected, P-value < 0.001). The rate of malformations in this group is also elevated compared to that reported in the literature for IVF gestations (9.35% in this study vs. 4% expected in IVF pregnancies, P-value = 0.001). The prevalence of congenital malformations in a cohort of singleton IVF pregnancies was statistically higher than previously reported for naturally conceived or IVF singleton gestations. Higher rates of anomalies may be due to suboptimal gametes, or in-vitro procedures. The incidence of ultrasound markers in this study is consistent with other studies (11–17%). In conclusion, this study found an elevated prevalence of anomalies in singleton gestation fetuses conceived via ART.
DOI: 10.1002/uog.9228
Institution: University of California, Los Angeles
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1552048321