A study published in the European Heart Journal reveals that babies conceived after assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF, have a 36% higher risk of being born with a major heart defect. The research, led by Professor Ulla-Britt Wennerholm from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, highlights the importance of this finding as congenital heart defects are the most common form of birth defects, some of which can lead to life-threatening complications. The study also links the increased risk to multiple births, which are more common in assisted reproduction.
The study included data on over 7.7 million liveborn children from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden between 1984 and 2015. Researchers compared the rates of major heart defects in babies born after assisted reproduction, including IVF, ICSI, and embryo freezing, with those conceived naturally. They found that heart defects were 36% more common in babies born after assisted reproduction, with an absolute risk of 1.84% compared to 1.15% in babies conceived naturally. The risk was similar regardless of the type of assisted reproduction used but was greater in multiple births compared to singleton births.
Professor Wennerholm noted that while previous research has shown higher risks for babies born through assisted reproduction, this study reveals a higher risk specifically for congenital heart defects, the most common major birth defect. She emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate care for babies with heart defects, especially considering the increasing number of people using assisted reproductive technology. The fact that the risk of heart defects is similar regardless of the type of assisted reproduction used suggests a common factor underlying infertility in parents and congenital heart disease in their babies.
In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Nathalie Auger and colleagues from the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre in Canada highlighted that assisted reproductive technology is a popular intervention in reproductive medicine, with procedures accounting for 2% to 8% of births. They emphasized that while most babies born through assisted reproduction are healthy, these procedures are not without risks. The study found that assisted reproductive technology was associated with the risk of major heart defects diagnosed prenatally or up to one year of age, with patients using these techniques potentially having underlying health conditions that impact both fertility and the risk of heart defects.
The researchers suggest that the link between assisted reproductive technology and the increased risk of heart defects could be due to underlying health conditions in parents that contribute to both infertility and the risk of birth defects. They stress the importance of monitoring babies born after assisted reproduction for heart defects and providing timely diagnosis and treatment when needed. With the growing popularity of assisted reproductive technology, it is crucial to be aware of the potential increased risks associated with these procedures and ensure appropriate care and support for families facing the challenges of infertility and birth defects.