Developmental outcomes of very preterm infants conceived through in vitro fertilization

Objective: To compare in-hospital and neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes between very preterm infants conceived spontaneously and those conceived utilizing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Study design: A 10-year retrospective study of a large regional, mixed urban and rural population was conducted. IVF conceived infants born <32 0/7 weeks gestational age (GA) were matched 1:2 to control patients who did not undergo any documented assisted reproductive technology (ART) based on GA, birth weight and gender. In-hospital and ND data were analyzed.

Results: There were 35,712 live births, including 755 (2.1%) IVF-conceived births (519 [68.7%] full term, 236 [31.3%] preterm, 33 born <32 0/7 weeks GA [14.0%] - including 27 cared for in the HSHS St. John's Hospital NICU with long-term ND data). When compared to 54 controls, these 27 very preterm IVF-conceived infants were more likely to be born to older women (OR 1.21 [1.07-1.35], p = 0.001), but other demographic data (i.e., including primigravida status, length of hospital stay, use of antenatal corticosteroids, mode of delivery, rural residency, etc.) were similar. Compared to other very preterm neonates, IVF conceived very preterm infants were less likely to receive surfactant therapy (9 [33%] vs. 34 [63%], p = 0.104). Other in-hospital outcomes were similar. Data for ND outcomes through 24 months (non-matched data due to loss to follow-up) were also similar between cohorts.

Conclusion: Infants born very preterm after IVF conception have similar in-hospital and ND outcomes when compared to other very preterm infants. This is reassuring information that can be shared with individuals considering IVF conception.