Risk of Congenital Abnormality due to ART

Abstract

Assisted reproductive technology (ART), most notably in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET), has dramatically progressed during the approximately 30 years since its introduction in 1978. It is extremely important to know the hereditary safety ART. However, detailed follow-up studies of children conceived and born by IVF have rarely been conducted. In the present study, we reviewed data at our clinic in addition to the literature regarding congenital abnormalities in children conceived and born by conventional IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Several studies have reported no statistically significant differences in the frequency of congenital abnormalities between natural conception and conception using ART. However, since other studies have in fact indicated increases in congenital abnormalities, it is important to accurately inform patients of these data prior to treatment. In addition, since the field of reproductive medicine has recently become more complex due to the addition of genetic elements, it is essential that those providing treatment possess the relevant knowledge.