Children conceived after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): is there a role for the paediatrician?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate current medical knowledge about children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with respect to congenital malformations, chromosome abnormalities and postnatal growth.


RESULTS
The total malformation rate in children conceived after ICSI was comparable to the background population in nine of the 11 articles studied. In two of the studies, a significant increase in congenital malformations was found. More specifically, children born after ICSI appear to have a higher risk of urogenital malformations, especially hypospadias, which may be related to paternal subfertility. There is insufficient knowledge about chromosomal or genetic anomalies and auxological data in children born after ICSI. The methodological approach to follow-up the children was inconsistent, as the clinical examinations were not done with standardized ascertainment.


CONCLUSIONS
Paediatricians and obstetricians should collaborate with fertility clinics to obtain valid longitudinal observations with respect to congenital malformations, neurological development, growth, pubertal maturation, fertility and morbidity in children conceived by ICSI.
Mau
C
C
University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. claudia.mau@rh.dk
Juul
A
A
Main
K M
KM
Loft
A
A
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D025063:Chromosome Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000009:adverse effects*