Follow-up of children born after ART.
Assisted reproductive therapies (ART), namely in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have become widely used in the treatment of human infertility. Children conceived using ART represent a substantial proportion of the population. Follow-up of these children is necessary in order to evaluate the risks of infertility treatment upon subsequently conceived offspring. In recent years there has been considerable work in this field. This review summarises current evidence regarding the health of children conceived following ART, encompassing neonatal outcomes, the risk of congenital malformations, neurodevelopmental outcome, physical health, psychosocial well being, and the risk of cancer. The main risks for the future well being of ART children remain multiple pregnancies and low birth weight. Evidence regarding the outcome of singletons born at term following ART is generally reassuring. It is essential that follow-up of ART children continues as they progress through adolescence into adulthood.
Basatemur
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E
Adolescent and General Paediatric Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 250 Euston Road, 6th Floor, London NW1 2PQ, UK.
Sutcliffe
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A
D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D036801:Parturition / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000502:physiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome