Study Highlights Increased Heart Defects Risk
Babies born through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), may have a 36% higher chance of developing significant heart defects compared to those conceived naturally, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed over 7.7 million births across four Nordic countries and found a slight but notable increase in heart-related issues among ART babies.
Large-Scale Study Across Nordic Countries
The study, spanning three decades, collected data from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Researchers examined both prenatal diagnoses and heart defect occurrences during the first year of life. The data aimed to identify whether babies conceived through ART were more prone to major heart defects than naturally conceived infants.
Comparison of Different ART Methods
The study compared different assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and embryo freezing. The findings consistently showed a higher incidence of heart defects among ART-conceived babies compared to those conceived naturally, regardless of the specific technique used.
Higher Risk in Multiple Births
Researchers noted that the risk of heart defects was especially high in multiple births, with a 2.47% risk compared to 1.62% in single-child births. This raised the possibility that factors related to infertility or ART itself could be contributing to congenital heart defects, suggesting a need for further investigation.
Expert Insights on the Findings
Ulla-Britt Wennerholm, the study’s lead author and a professor from the University of Gothenburg, explained that previous research had already indicated increased risks for ART babies, including preterm birth and low birth weight. However, this study focused on heart defects, offering new insights into potential risks linked to ART.
The Need for Early Detection and Intervention
Congenital heart defects often require surgery in early infancy, which underscores the importance of identifying babies at higher risk. Wennerholm stressed that early intervention could make a critical difference in outcomes for ART-conceived babies, allowing for more proactive medical care.
Other Perspectives on ART Risks
Dr. Bernard Tuch, a consultant endocrinologist from Monash University in Australia, who was not involved in the study, noted that the increased risk, while statistically significant, remains relatively low. He added that cardiac abnormalities are the most common congenital issues observed in ART babies, yet the overall risk remains manageable.
Growing Prevalence of Assisted Reproduction
Dr. Nathalie Auger from the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre highlighted the rising use of ART, which now accounts for 2% to 8% of births globally. She emphasized that while most ART babies are healthy, the procedures carry inherent risks that prospective parents should be aware of when considering fertility treatments.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Drug Target Review
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