Neonatal Outcomes of IVF Versus Naturally Conceived Pregnancies at a Tertiary Care Hospital of a Developing Country

Introduction: Assisted reproductive technique rates are increasing worldwide. Parallel to the rise in assisted reproductive technique rates, intrauterine growth retardation, multiple birth, premature birth, perinatal mortality, very low birth weight, and congenital anomalies as contributing factors for poor perinatal outcomes have also increased.

Aims and objectives: To study the morbidity and mortality in the neonates born of IVF pregnancy

Material and Methods: The study was done in the Neonatology unit of the Pediatrics Department at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana. 100 consecutive IVF conceived neonates were compared with 100 non IVF conceived neonates over a period of one year.

Results: In our study, the prematurity was significantly high among IVF conceived neonates. The mean gestational age among IVF neonates was 32.5 weeks & 36 weeks in non IVF conceived neonates. The LBW was significantly high among IVF conceived neonates. The mean birth weight of IVF neonates was 1.5 kg & 2.6 kg in non IVF conceived neonates. Multiple births, LSCS and ICU shifting was more among IVF conceived neonates. The morbidities like birth asphyxia , RDS (Surfactant administration, requirement of CPAP & ventilatory support), EOS, ROP , NNH , anemia of prematurity and PDA was significantly more among IVF conceived neonates as prematurity was more but when compared gestational wise no significant difference was observed. There was no significant difference in the incidence of LOS, intracranial hemorrhage, NEC, BPD, hypothermia,hypoglycemia, seizures & electrolyte imbalance, among IVF & non IVF conceived neonates. There was no significant difference in the mortality of IVF conceived & non IVF conceived neonates.

Conclusion: The prematurity, LBW & multiple births were more among IVF conceived when compared to non IVF conceived pregnancy. The morbidity and mortality outcomes were more dependent on gestational age at which neonates were born and not on mode of conception.