From fetal life to adulthood: cardiometabolic health of offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technologies, a systematic review.
Julie Firmin, Myriam Slama, Lucile Ferreux et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the cardiometabolic health of offspring conceived via assisted reproductive technologies (ART) across developmental stages. It included 55 studies and found that while ART-conceived offspring exhibited subtle cardiovascular differences, such as mild cardiac remodeling and modest blood pressure elevations, most cardiometabolic parameters were comparable to those conceived naturally by adulthood. No major adverse effects of ART were identified.
Key findings
- ART-conceived offspring showed mild cardiac remodeling and modest elevations in blood pressure.
- Higher childhood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were noted in ART offspring.
- No consistent adverse long-term effects were identified for various ART procedures.
- Cardiometabolic profiles were similar in ART offspring and those of subfertile parents conceived without ART.
Why it matters
Understanding the long-term cardiometabolic health of ART-conceived offspring is crucial for clinicians, as it informs monitoring and management strategies for this growing population. Subtle cardiovascular differences may require attention, even if they remain within normal ranges.