Children born after cryopreservation of embryos or oocytes: a systematic review of outcome data.
Wennerholm UB, Söderström-Anttila V, Bergh C, Aittomäki K, Hazekamp J, Nygren KG, Selbing A, Loft A.
Perinatal Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, SE-416 85 East Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
BACKGROUND An estimated 3.5 million children have been born to date using assisted reproduction technologies. We reviewed the data in order to evaluate current knowledge of medical outcome for IVF/ICSI children born after cryopreservation, slow freezing and vitrification of early cleavage stage embryos, blastocysts and oocytes. METHODS A systematic review was performed. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases from 1984 to September 2008. Inclusion criteria for slow freezing of early cleavage stage embryos were controlled studies reporting perinatal or child outcomes. For slow freezing and vitrification of blastocysts and oocytes, and vitrification of early cleavage stage embryos, case reports on perinatal or child outcomes were also included. Three reviewers independently read and evaluated all selected studies. RESULTS For early cleavage embryos, data from controlled studies indicated a better or at least as good obstetric outcome, measured as preterm birth and low birthweight for children born after cryopreservation, as compared with children born after fresh cycles. Most studies found comparable malformation rates between frozen and fresh IVF/ICSI. For slow freezing of blastocysts and for vitrification of early cleavage stage embryos, blastocysts and oocytes, limited neonatal data was reported. We found no long-term child follow-up data for any cryopreservation technique. CONCLUSION Data concerning infant outcome after slow freezing of embryos was reassuring. Properly controlled follow-up studies of neonatal outcome are needed after slow freezing of blastocysts and after vitrification of early cleavage stage embryos, blastocysts and oocytes. In addition, child long-term follow-up studies for all cryopreservation techniques are essential.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 How successful is infertility treatment?
- 2 How can we compare infertility treatments?
- 3 How can we compare outcomes between different fertility units?
- 4 Are treatments for infertility improving?
- 5 Is there an increased chance of miscarriage following infertility treatment?
- 6 Is there an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy following infertility treatment?
- 7 What is a heterotopic pregnancy?
- 8 What problems can occur with multiple pregnancy?
- 9 What is selective termination of pregnancy?
- 10 How can the pregnancy risks following infertility treatment be reduced?
- 11 We have had infertility treatment which has been successful. How will our pregnancy be cared for?
- 12 If we have infertility treatment, will our baby be healthy?
- 13 What are the psychological effects of infertility? information?
- 14 Where can I obtain more information?
- 15 Infertility Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
