Health of 227 children born after controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization using the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize data from completed phase II and III clinical trials on children born after controlled ovarian stimulation using the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix.


METHODS
All children born after ovarian stimulation in patients treated for infertility who were in prospective studies until March 23, 1999.


METHODS
Academic research center.


METHODS
Children born after IVF or IVF plus ICSI.


METHODS
Controlled ovarian stimulation with cetrorelix in a multiple-dose or single/dual-dose protocol.


METHODS
Outcome of pregnancy and, in deliveries, the date of birth, number and sex of children born, birth weight, body length, and abnormalities were recorded. At approximately 1 year of age and 2 years of age, body weight and length and abnormalities in physical and mental development were recorded.


RESULTS
Two hundred nine and 18 children were born after fresh and frozen embryo transfers, respectively. Of the pregnancies, 76.2% (179 of 234) resulted in live birth and ectopic pregnancy occurred in 3.4% (8 of 231); one heterotopic pregnancy and four induced abortions were recorded. The malformation rate among all live births, stillbirths, and aborted fetuses was 3.1%.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of cetrorelix in controlled ovarian stimulation does not harm the subsequently born children.
Ludwig
M
M
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. ludwig_m@t-online.de
Riethmüller-Winzen
H
H
Felberbaum
R E
RE
Olivennes
F
F
Albano
C
C
Devroey
P
P
Diedrich
K
K
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006262:Health; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D014427:Twins
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; C062876:cetrorelix