The outcome of twin pregnancies after IVF

It has been suggested that the high rates of prematurity, low birth weight, perinatal morbidity and mortality in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) infants are due to the increased frequency of multiple gestations in this population. The aim of our study was to test this hypothesis by comparing the outcom...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human reproduction (Oxford) 1998-06, Vol.13 (6), p.1702-1705
Main Authors: Moise, J, Laor, A, Armon, Y, Gur, I, Gale, R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Birth control
Female
Fertilization in Vitro
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Medical sciences
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Outcome
Risk Factors
Sterility. Assisted procreation
Twins
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Summary:It has been suggested that the high rates of prematurity, low birth weight, perinatal morbidity and mortality in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) infants are due to the increased frequency of multiple gestations in this population. The aim of our study was to test this hypothesis by comparing the outcome of IVF twins with that of twins born after spontaneously conceived pregnancies. The perinatal outcome of 40 IVF twins was compared with that of 80 control twins, matched for maternal age, parity and ethnic origin. IVF twins had a higher rate of prematurity (P = 0.03), their mean birth weight was significantly lower (P < 0.01) and the frequency of very low birth weight infants was much higher (P < 0.003). There was no neonatal mortality in the control group, whereas four IVF twins died (P < 0.01). Neonatal morbidity was significantly greater in IVF twins (P < 0.05). Oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation were administered more frequently to IVF twins (P < 0.007 and P < 0.05). We conclude that twins conceived by IVF are at a significantly higher risk for prematurity and associated neonatal morbidity and mortality than spontaneously conceived twins.
ISSN:0268-1161
1460-2350
DOI:10.1093/humrep/13.6.1702