[Are screening examinations necessary in ruling out ocular malformations after reproduction treatment?].

BACKGROUND

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is an established procedure frequently used for the treatment of infertility. However, the risk of twin or triplet pregnancies with premature birth and presumably also malformations is increased in IVF/ICSI pregnancies. Specific ophthalmological examinations so far were published by Anteby et al., who reported about an increased incidence of ocular malformations.

METHODS

In a retrospective study we analysed the medical histories of 30 newborn and premature children born after IVF/ICSI (almost exclusive twin pregnancies) which were cared for in the department of neonatology and intensive care from 2002 to 2004 and had an ophthalmological examination. A follow-up control was carried out in 2005 to check the developmental status of the visual organ.

RESULTS

Systemic malformations such as cardiovascular malformations of different severity and haemangioma were diagnosed in 6 children. Malformations of the visual organ were only found in one male infant (congenital glaucoma because of missing Schlemm canal). His twin sister had showed a cardiovascular malformation. The father of these children suffered from OAT (oligoasthenoteratozoospermia) syndrome with an inversion at chromosome 3. Retinopathia prämaturorum requiring treatment was not observed in any child.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancies following reproduction treatment are associated with a higher risk for malformations. Systematic ophthalmological examinations maybe considered in infants of IVF/ICSI pregnancies.