Bosch, Barbara; Sutcliffe, Alastair; (2017) Congenital Anomalies Following Assisted Reproductive Technology. In: Rizk, Botros and Gerris, Jan, (eds.) Complications and Outcomes of Assisted Reproduction. (pp. 15-23). Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK.

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Abstract

Most of the 5 million children that saw the light thanks to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) were born healthy. Th e incidence of major congenital birth defects in this group of neonates is low: 4% to 6% [ 1 ]. Yet, that is 30% higher than the incidence of congenital anomalies in children born aft er spontaneous conception [ 2 ]. Th e increased risk for congenital anomalies aft er ART is not only the subject of ongoing scientifi c research, but is also an issue in public debates about these techniques [ 3 ]. For physicians, it is oft en unclear whether various ART processes hold diff erent risks and which congenital birth defects can be expected. What concrete associations have been studied? For scientists, the question whether the subfertility of the couple that conceives aft er medical intervention accounts for this observation or whether intervening with natural conception itself augments the incidence of congenital birth defects remains unanswered. Should we adapt our techniques and could a decrease in the incidence of congenital anomalies thus be expected? For future parents, birth defects are one of many concerns when considering ART [ 4 ]. Th ey will ask their doctor about it. It is important that physicians can provide a balanced answer. Th e following chapter aims to guide the reader through the important questions on the association of congenital anomalies and ART; from bedside to bench and back again.

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