Growth, health, and motor development of 5-year-old children born after preimplantation genetic diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the growth, health, and motor development of children born after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

Design: Observational cohort study and comparison of 5-year-old children born after PGD to similar aged children born after IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and children from families with a genetic disorder born after natural conception (NC).

Setting: University hospital.

Patient(s): One hundred three children were included in the PGD group. The two control groups consisted of 90 children born after IVF/ICSI and 58 children born after NC.

Intervention(s): PGD.

Main outcome measure(s): We measured height, weight, body circumferences, body mass index, and blood pressure and performed a dysmorphological and neurological examination. We also collected data about the children's medical history, health care consultations, and motor milestones.

Result(s): The mean height, weight, and body mass index were comparable for all groups. Six (5.8%) PGD, four (4.4%) IVF/ICSI, and five (8.6%) NC children had a major congenital abnormality. The incidence of acute and chronic illnesses was similar in all groups. Motor milestones were achieved on time, but the IVF/ICSI group had a slightly younger mean sitting age. None of the children had severe neurological problems.

Conclusion(s): Five-year-old children born after PGD show normal growth, health, and motor development when compared with children born after IVF/ICSI and NC children from families with a genetic disorder.

Trial registration number: NCT02149485.

Keywords: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis; child; preimplantation genetic testing follow-up.