Subjects Conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technologies Display Normal Arterial Stiffness

Abstract

Multiple studies reported signs of vascular dysfunction in subjects conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The assessment of arterial stiffness in this cohort seems beneficial for risk stratification. Regional arterial stiffness of the abdominal aorta (AAO) and the common carotid arteries (CCA) was evaluated sonographically using two-dimensional speckle tracking in subjects conceived through ART and spontaneously conceived peers. Global arterial stiffness was assessed utilizing an oscillometric blood pressure device. The cohorts of 67 ART subjects and 86 spontaneously conceived peers (11.31 (8.10–18.20) years vs. 11.85 (8.72–18.27) years, p = 0.43) did not differ significantly in parameters of regional and global arterial stiffness. In the sub-analysis of study participants ≥10 years of age, markers of arterial stiffness did not display significant differences between both groups. However, a higher tendency of brachial systolic blood pressure was demonstrated in the ART cohort compared to the control group (120.18 ± 9.57 mmHg vs. 116.55 ± 8.05 mmHg, p = 0.050). The present study displayed no significant differences in arterial stiffness between ART subjects and spontaneously conceived peers. Moreover, this study suggests that arterial stiffness does not elevate more profoundly in ART subjects with increasing age. Further studies are required for a more detailed cardiovascular risk stratification of the ART cohort.

Vascular function in a cohort of children, adolescents and young adults conceived through assisted reproductive technologies—results from the Munich heARTerY-study

“…In some parameters, such as BMI, waist circumference and arterial stiffness, the ART group displayed an even more favourable profile ( 37 ). In accordance with the above-mentioned findings as well as with previous publications of our departments, the results of the current study do not indicate significant impairments of cardiovascular function in a cohort of children, adolescents and young adults conceived after using ART compared to spontaneously conceived peers ( 11 , 38 ).…”

“…In contrast to previous publications of our departments, subjects conceived through gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) were excluded. While GIFT can be considered a conventional ART procedure, it does not include in vitro cultivation as fertilization happens in the natural environment of the fallopian tubes ( 11 ). Healthy spontaneously conceived peers matched in age and gender without known cardiovascular diseases were enrolled through public calls within the greater Munich area.…”

Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Subjects Conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technologies

“…Interestingly, the authors did not find any evidence of increased cardiovascular risk in those subjects conceived through ART. In addition, a recent publication from our department did not reveal significant differences in arterial stiffness between the current ART cohort and spontaneously conceived peers [ 29 ].…”

Vascular Health of Females with History of Assisted Reproductive Technology

“…As this pilot study was part of the Munich heARTerY-study (assisted reproductive technologies and their effects on heart and arterial function in youth), inclusion and exclusion criteria focused primarily on the pediatric cohort [12][13][14][15][16]. To assess whether parents with history of ART displayed an increased cardiovascular morbidity, no exclusion criteria were applied for the parental cohort.…”