Comparison of Growth Parameters of 5-year-old Singleton Children Born in Assisted Versus Natural Conception

Abstract

Introduction: At present, about 1% of newborns are delivered through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the growth parameters of children born in assisted and natural conception at 5 years of age. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional case control study, weight, height and head circumference of 5-year old children were assessed. The case group consisted of term, singleton babies who were products of ART in the Center for Infertility of Shahid Sadoughi University, Yazd, Iran in 2005. The control group consisted of term, first child, singleton and spontaneously conceived 5-year-old children who were referred for vaccination to primary health care center of Shahid Akbari in 2010. Results: Fifty-eight girls (47.5%) and 64 boys (52.5%) “with equal numbers in each of the 2 groups” were evaluated. Sex distribution, mean ages of fathers and mothers were not statistically significant different in both groups. Children born after ART tend to have lower birth weight, smaller birth head circumference and lower weight at 5 years of age. Having low birth weight (<2500 g), being underweight and having short stature at the age of 5 were more common in babies born through ART. Conclusion: Growth retardation is more prevalent in babies born through ART. Thus, growth assessment, parents’ knowledge about child physical development, and timely and accurate follow-up of these children are necessary for early detection of any growth disorders. Key words: ART, Growth, Height, Natural Conception, Weight

Intelligence, motoric and psychological outcomes in children from different ART treatments: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Weschler Preschool and Primary School Intelligence-Revised version (WPPSI-R) [ 22 , 27 , 31 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 42 ], Weschler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) [ 30 ], Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) [ 36 , 37 ], Kauffman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) [ 38 , 41 ], and Revised Amsterdam Child Intelligence Test (RAKIT) [ 35 ] were used to measure intelligence. There was no significant difference in the overall full-scale IQ of ART schoolers compared to NC schoolers ( p = 0.31).…”

“…The verbal intelligence quotient was calculated from WPPSI-R [ 22 , 27 , 31 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 42 ], WASI [ 32 ], and WISC [ 36 , 37 ] verbal IQ, K-ABC Knowledge subtest [ 41 ], RAKIT verbal meaning, learning names, and idea production subtests [ 35 ], British Ability Scale (BAS) vocabulary subtest [ 28 ], and Ages and Stages Questionnaire communication subtest [ 30 ] scores. In the subgroup and overall analyses, no significant differences were found (Fig.…”

“…Executive function score was obtained from the ASQ problem-solving [ 30 ], the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) general executive composite [ 27 , 33 ], and A Developmental NEuroPSYchological Assessment (NEPSY) domain attention and executive function [ 32 ] scores. There was no discernible difference in the executive function score between ART and NC schoolers ( p = 0.37) (Fig.…”

“…Total motor score was assessed using the Kauffman ABC Motoric Scale [ 36 , 37 , 42 ], Peabody Development Motor Scale [ 39 ], McCarthy Scales of Children’s Ability (MSCA) motor scale index [ 40 ], Zimmer/Volkamer Motor Test MOT 4–6 [ 38 ], and the ASQ fine and gross motor score [ 30 ]. ART schoolers had comparable total motor score with NC schoolers ( p = 0.50), although high heterogeneity was identified ( I 2 = 75% ( p = 0.0002) (Fig.…”

“…The gross motor score was meta-analyzed from Kauffman ABC Motoric Scale ball and balance scores [ 36 , 37 , 42 ], the Peabody Development Motor Scale gross motor quotient [ 39 ], and the ASQ gross motor score [ 30 ]. The fine motor score was meta-analyzed from K-ABC motoric scale manual score [ 36 , 37 , 42 ], Peabody Development Motor Scale fine motor quotient [ 39 ], and ASQ fine motor score [ 30 ]. There were no differences in the gross and fine motor scores between ART-born and NC schoolers ( p = 0.72 and 0.25, respectively).…”