Vascular Dysfunction in Offspring of Assisted Reproduction Technologies

Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV)

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Infertility

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: Transthoracic echocardiography

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT00837642

35/07

Details and patient eligibility

About

The prevalence of infertility has been estimated at 9% worldwide. The steadily increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has allowed millions of infertile couples to have children. These children make up for 1 to 4% of the population in developed countries. ART involves the manipulation of early embryos at a time when they may be particularly vulnerable to external disturbances. In line with this concept, studies in mice suggest that ART alters the activity of enzymes involved in the regulation of metabolic and cardiovascular homeostasis. Alternatively, infertility itself or the drugs used to stimulate ovulation may have adverse effects on the outcome of the offspring. The safety of ART for long-term health is, therefore, of utmost importance. Among the potential long-term consequences of ART, cardiovascular disease may represent an important candidate, but there is no information.

Investigators show that, children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) present systemic and pulmonary vascular dysfunction at high-altitude when compared to age- and sex-matched control subjects. A 5 years follow-up study shows that premature vascular aegieng persist and evolve to arterial hypertension. Arterial hypertension may induce cardiac dysfunction.

Therefore, the major goal of this proposal is to assess cardiac function in apparently healthy participants born after ART.

Enrollment: 100 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Offspring of ART
• Healthy
• Born at term

Exclusion criteria

• Cardio-pulmonary malformations
• Neuro-muscular malformations

Trial design

100 participants in 2 patient groups

ART (Assited reproductive technologies)

Description:

In participants born after IVF will be performed a transthoracic echocardiography

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Transthoracic echocardiography

Control

Description:

In participants naturally conceived will be performed a transthoracic echocardiography

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Transthoracic echocardiography