Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Twins Conceived by In Vitro Fertilization

Choi, Ka Young; Kim, Ee Kyung

Abstract

PURPOSE
To compare the growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm twins conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) with those naturally conceived.
METHODS
We reviewed the electronic medical records of 64 children assessed by K-ASQ (Korean ages & stages questionnaires) at 18 month or 24 month of corrected age. Physical growth was evaluated by Z-scores of weight, length and head circumference at 12 months and 24 months.
RESULTS
Thirty eight (59.4%) preterm twins were the in vitro fertilization group and 26 (40.6%) preterm twins were in the natural conception group. Significantly higher rate of monochorionicity and small for gestational age were detected in the natural conception group (P value=0.001, P value=0.025, respectively). Z scores of weight, length and head circumference were calculated in 56 (87.5%) infants and 51 (79.7%) infants at 12 months and 24 months, respectively. Physical growth did not differ between the two groups. Fifty nine (92.2%) and 40 (65.2%) preterm twins were assessed by K-ASQ at 18 months and 24 months, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rates of cases scored less than -2 standard deviation below the mean in K-ASQ between the IVF and natural conception groups.
CONCLUSION
Growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm twins conceived by IVF were comparable with that of naturally conceived preterm twins.