Obstetric outcome and follow-up of children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a well established and effective method for the treatment of infertility, but there is concern about the health of children born as a result of this procedure. The introduction of new technologies, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), has increased concern that the offspring from such techniques may be at increased risk, particularly of malformations. Studies on obstetric and neonatal outcome and early infant development after IVF obtained from a Medline search were reviewed. Children born after IVF had a considerably higher risk of being born pre-term and with a lower birth weight than children conceived naturally. A high incidence of multiple births and maternal characteristics were the main factors responsible for the increase in adverse outcome. Novel strategies in assisted reproduction, including the development of single embryo transfer regimens and avoidance of multiple births, are required. There is also a need for further developmental follow-up of children born after assisted conception, especially those born after ICSI.