Childhood growth of singletons conceived following in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background Assisted reproductive techniques are associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birthweight and intrauterine growth restriction. Yet, the long‐term follow‐up on the growth of these children is limited. Objective To systematically review the literature on post‐neonatal height and weight among children conceived following in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, compared with that of children born after spontaneous conception. Search strategy A systematic computerised literature search using the online databases PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Selection criteria Cohort or case–control studies with an exposed group of singletons conceived following IVF or ICSI along with a control group of spontaneously conceived singletons. Data collection and analysis Studies were reviewed by at least two authors. Meta‐analyses were conducted using Cochrane Review Manager. The quality of the studies was assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Main results Twenty studies were included, with 13 of these eligible for meta‐analyses. The meta‐analyses compared 3972 children born after IVF/ICSI with 11 012 spontaneously conceived children and revealed no statistically significant difference in child weight [mean difference (MD) in weight of −160 g; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) −360, 3]. When stratifying by age of child at follow‐up, we found a significant lower weight in children aged 0–4 years conceived following IVF/ICSI treatment (MD −180 g; 95% CI −320, −4), but this was no longer significant in children from 5 years of age (MD −160 g; 95% CI −580, 260). The pooled analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in childhood height. Conclusions In vitro fertilisation/ICSI was not associated with long‐term weight and height. Tweetable Children born following IVF/ICSI do not have impaired long‐term weight or height compared with spontaneously conceived children. Tweetable Children born following IVF/ICSI do not have impaired long‐term weight or height compared with spontaneously conceived children.