Is Assisted Reproductive Technology Linked to Fetal Asphyxia? A Retrospective Italian Case-Control Study

J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2024 Aug;46(8):102577. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2024.102577. Epub 2024 Jun 8.

Abstract

Several risk factors are associated with fetal asphyxia. The main aim of this retrospective, analytical, case-control study was to determine whether assisted reproductive technologies (ART) could be considered one of these factors. In total, 162 cases of fetal asphyxia were compared to 361 controls where this event did not occur. We included 32 ART pregnancies, of which 12 were obtained through egg donations. Overall, 75% (24) of ART pregnancies experienced fetal asphyxia, suggesting ART increases the risk of fetal asphyxia by about 7 times. This finding is consistent with the literature. The pathogenesis of fetal asphyxia in ART pregnancies is currently unknown. Accordingly, this topic should be further investigated.

Keywords: assisted reproductive technology; cerebral palsy; intrapartum asphyxia; neonatal intensive care unit; obstetric outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asphyxia Neonatorum
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted* / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors