How Does the Inclusion of Twins Conceived via Fertility Treatments Influence the Results of Twin Studies?

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 746-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Alexandra Burt ◽  
Kelly L. Klump
Keyword(s):  
Twin Studies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
State University ◽  
Behavioral Differences ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Twin Families

Rates of twinning have risen dramatically over the last 30 years, from 1 in 53 births in 1980 to 1 in 30 births in 2009 (Martin et al. (January 2012). Three decades of twin births in the United States, 1980–2009. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics). This increase is largely attributable to increases in the use of fertility treatments (i.e., ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization) combined with delays in parenthood. Although this increase means that more twins are available for recruitment into twin studies, it also has potential consequences for the heritability estimates obtained in these studies. This study sought to evaluate this possibility, making use of the ongoing Michigan Twins Project (N = 7,261 families with twins aged 3–17 years), an arm of the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Results revealed that, on average, twins conceived via fertility treatments had lower rates of behavior problems than those conceived naturally, although these behavioral differences could be explained largely by demographic and socio-economic differences across the two types of twin families. Twin similarity did not meaningfully differ across fertility treatment status. We thus conclude that estimates of genetic and environmental influences obtained from twin studies over the last 10–15 years are more or less unaffected by the inclusion of twins conceived via fertility treatments in their samples.

scholarly journals Age-discriminated IVF Access and Evidence-based Ageism: Is There a Better Way?

2021 ◽  
pp. 016224392110219
Author(s):  
Giulia Cavaliere ◽  
James Rupert Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Evidence Base ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Uk

Access to state-funded fertility treatments is age-restricted in many countries based on epidemiological evidence showing age-associated fertility decline and aimed at administering scarce resources. In this article, we consider whether age-related restrictions can be considered ageist and what this entails for a normative appraisal of access criteria. We use the UK as a case study due to the state-funded and centrally regulated nature of in vitro fertilization (IVF) provision. We begin by reviewing concepts of ageism and age discrimination in gerontological scholarship and contend that it is analytically useful to differentiate between them when considering age-restricted health services. We then argue that criteria to access IVF could be considered indirectly ageist so far as they rely on an age-related evidence base that manifests ageist categorizations of persons. Lastly, we examine whether there could be more normatively desirable alternatives to devise criteria to access fertility treatment, considering “lifestyle” as a potential candidate. We conclude, however, that lifestyle-based discrimination is problematic because, unlike age-based discrimination, it risks exacerbating existing socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities.

scholarly journals The Octo Mom Meets Constitutional Law: Testing the Constitutionality of Restricting Fertility Treatments

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa Miller-Sporrer
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Constitutional Law ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Multiple Pregnancies ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
The Public ◽  
Fertility Treatments

On 26 January 2009, Nadya Suleman gave birth to eight children. 1 The public outpouring of support quickly turned into widespread condemnation as more information about Ms. Suleman’s multiple pregnancies and financial situation was released.2 Once the public learned not only that Ms. Suleman had six other children but also that all fourteen children had been conceived using in vitro fertilization, the public began to question both her judgment and the judgment of her doctor.3 The public apparently was willing to accept the birth if it was the non-deliberate product of a hormone-based fertility treatment but was less willing to accept the birth if it was the result of a deliberate choice on the part of Ms. Suleman and her physician.

Thromboprophylaxis In Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Thrombophilia Undergoing Fertility Treatments: An Observational Study

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4396-4396
Author(s):  
Liana Makarian ◽  
Daniel Stein ◽  
Martin Keltz ◽  
Mala Varma
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Pai 1

Abstract Abstract 4396 Thromboprophylaxis in women with recurrent pregnancy loss and thrombophilia undergoing fertility treatments: an observational study. Background Several phase II studies have suggested a benefit of thromboprophylaxis in pregnant women with histories of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) with and without thrombophilia. Two recent phase III studies (ALIFE, SPIN) showed no benefit of thromboprophylaxis in women with RPL, but they were not designed to study women with thrombophilia or with 3 or more miscarriages. In addition, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) has been linked to RPL, but there are limited data on the use of thromboprophylaxis in pregnant women with PAI-1 and RPL. A mechanism of unexplained RPL is thought to be placental thrombosis. The patients with thrombophilia who undergo assisted reproduction procedures might be at an increased risk of thrombosis due to multiple gestations, ovarian hyperstimulation and hyperestrogenemia. These could contribute to fetal loss via placental thrombosis. There are limited data on the outcome of pregnant women with histories of RPL treated with assisted reproduction and thromboprophylaxis. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 31 cases of women of age 20 to 42 that were referred to the Hematology Department at Roosevelt Hospital over the period of five years (between April 2005 and March 2010) for an evaluation prior to undergoing fertility treatment. Aspirin 81 mg daily prior to in vitro fertilization and enoxaparin 40 mg daily upon confirmation of pregnancy or following embryo transfer was recommended for the majority of patients. Aspirin and enoxaparin were recommended for 21 patients; aspirin alone for 5; enoxaparin alone for 4; and no therapy for 1. Baseline Characteristics of the Patients Results Fifteen out of 31 patients took aspirin and enoxaparin; 9, aspirin alone; 4, enoxaparin alone; and 3, no treatment. Sixteen patients had assisted reproduction with in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination; 4 received ovulation induction medications; 7 had natural pregnancies; 2 patients had pregnancies by unknown means. Twenty-five patients (81%) conceived; 13 (42%) had term deliveries; and 1(<1%) had a pre-term delivery at 31 weeks. Five patients (16%) were pregnant at last follow-up. Seven patients (22%) miscarried. Six patients (19%) did not conceive. Conclusion Thromboprophylaxis was associated with a high pregnancy rate and a high live birth rate in women with RPL, many with thrombophilia including PAI-1, presenting for fertility treatment. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Perinatal and Childhood Outcomes Associated with Infertility

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (03) ◽  
pp. 304-310
Author(s):  
Temeka Zore ◽  
Erica Wang
Keyword(s):  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
The United States ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Childhood Development ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Vitro Fertilization

AbstractInfertility affects 11% of reproductive-age women in the United States and the number of live births from infertility treatment, both in vitro fertilization (IVF) and non-IVF fertility treatment (NIFT), continues to rise. Given this trend, the perinatal and childhood outcomes of children conceived with assisted reproduction are of critical importance. We provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature, consisting primarily of observational cohort studies focused on IVF children. The outcomes of interest include (1) perinatal outcomes of low birth weight and prematurity; (2) congenital birth defects; (3) childhood development to encompass autism spectrum disorders, development, and school functioning; (4) growth and puberty: and (5) childhood cancer. Overall, these data appear to be reassuring; however, further studies are needed to clarify the role of underlying parental infertility and to focus on NIFT conceptions. There remains a paucity of long-term data for these children as they progress to adulthood and long-term prospective registries will be the key to answering these questions.

A Baby at All Costs? Exploring the Use and Provision of Unproven Adjuvant Treatments in the Context of IVF

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina L. Jones ◽  
Victoria Lang ◽  
Nicky Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Patient Survey ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
The Past ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
National Patient ◽  
Psychosocial Perspective

AbstractThe year 2018 marked 40 years since the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby born as a result of pioneering in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Since then, advances have seen a wide range of reproductive technologies emerge into clinical practice, including adjuvant treatments often referred to as IVF “add-ons.” However, these “optional extras” have faced growing criticism, especially when they have often come at additional financial cost to the patient and have little evidence supporting their efficacy to improve pregnancy or birth rates. Despite this, according to the latest national patient survey by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, three quarters of patients who had fertility treatment in the United Kingdom in the past two years had at least one type of treatment add-on highlighting the growing demand for these interventions. This article uses a psychosocial perspective to consider the motivations behind patient and clinician behavior along with the wider societal and economic factors that may be impacting upon the increase in the use of adjuvant treatments in fertility clinics more widely. It suggests the reasons fertility patients use unproven “optional extras” are complex, with interpersonal, psychological, and social factors intertwining to generate an increase in the use of IVF add-ons.

Fertility Treatments and the Risk of Preterm Birth Among Women with Subfertility: A Linked-Data Retrospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica N Sanders ◽  
Sara E Simonsen ◽  
Christina A Porucznik ◽  
Ahmad O Hammoud ◽  
Ken Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Fetal Death ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Birth Certificates ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Fertility Treatments

Abstract Background: In vitro fertilization (IVF) births contribute to a considerable proportion of preterm birth (PTB) each year. However, there is no formal surveillance of adverse perinatal outcomes for less invasive fertility treatments. The study objective was to determine the effect of fertility treatment (in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, usually with ovulation drugs (IUI), or ovulation drugs alone) on preterm birth, compared to no treatment in subfertile women.Methods: The Fertility Experiences Study (FES) is a retrospective cohort study conducted at the University of Utah between April 2010 and September 2012. Women with a history of primary subfertility self-reported treatment data via survey and interviews. Participant data were linked to birth certificates and fetal death records to asses for perinatal outcomes, particularly preterm birth.Results: A total 487 birth certificates and 3 fetal death records were linked as first births for study participants who completed questionnaires. Among linked births, 19% had a PTB. After adjustment for maternal age, paternal age, maternal education, annual income, religious affiliation, female or male fertility diagnosis, and duration of subfertility, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for PTB were 2.17 (CI: 0.99, 4.75) for births conceived using ovulation drugs, 3.17 (CI: 1.4, 7.19) for neonates conceived using IUI and 4.24 (CI: 2.05, 8.77) for neonates conceived by IVF, compared to women with subfertility who used no treatment during the month of conception. A reported diagnosis of female factor infertility increased the adjusted odds of having a PTB 2.99 (CI: 1.5, 5.97). Duration of pregnancy attempt was not independently associated with PTB. In restricting analyses to singleton gestation, odds ratios remained elevated but were not significant for any type of treatment.Conclusion: IVF, IUI, and ovulation drugs were all associated with a higher incidence of preterm birth and low birth weight, predominantly related to multiple gestation births.

scholarly journals Extremities of body mass index and their association with pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization in the United States

2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (7) ◽  
pp. 1742-1750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer F. Kawwass ◽  
Aniket D. Kulkarni ◽  
Heather S. Hipp ◽  
Sara Crawford ◽  
Dmitry M. Kissin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vitro Fertilization

In vitro susceptibility of ceftolozane/tazobactam against typhoidal, non-typhoidal and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Salmonella

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jade L. L. Teng ◽  
Elaine Chan ◽  
Asher C. H. Dai ◽  
Gillian Ng ◽  
Tsz Tuen Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
The United States ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Broth Microdilution ◽  
In Vitro Susceptibility ◽  
Extended Spectrum ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Esbl Producers

Both typhoidal and non-typhoidal salmonellae are included in the top 15 drug-resistant threats described by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States. There is an urgent need to look for alternative antibiotics for the treatment of Salmonella infections. We examined the in vitro susceptibilities of ceftolozane/tazobactam and six other antibiotics on typhoidal and non-typhoidal salmonellae, including isolates that are extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-positive, using the broth microdilution test. Of the 313 (52 typhoidal and 261 non-typhoidal) Salmonella isolates tested, 98.7% were susceptible to ceftolozane/tazobactam. Based on the overall MIC 50/90 values, Salmonella isolates were more susceptible to ceftolozane/tazobactam (0.25/0.5 mg/L) compared to all other comparator agents: ampicillin (≥64/≥64 mg/L), levofloxacin (0.25/1 mg/L), azithromycin (4/16 mg/L), ceftriaxone (≤0.25/4 mg/L), chloramphenicol (8/≥64 mg/L) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (1/≥8 mg/L). When comparing the activity of the antimicrobial agents against non-typhoidal Salmonella isolates according to their serogroup, ceftolozane/tazobactam had the highest activity (100%) against Salmonella serogroups D, G, I and Q isolates, whereas the lowest activity (85.7%) was observed against serogroup E isolates. All the 10 ESBL-producing Salmonella (all non-typhoidal) isolates, of which 8 were CTX-M-55-producers and 2 were CTX-M-65-producers, were sensitive to ceftolozane/tazobactam albeit with a higher MIC 50/90 value (1/2 mg/L) than non-ESBL-producers (0.25/0.5 mg/L). In summary, our data indicate that ceftolozane/tazobactam is active against most strains of both typhoidal and non-typhoidal salmonellae and also active against ESBL-producing salmonellae.

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