Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among Chinese women with infertility undergoing assisted reproductive technology: a retrospective cohort study
Abstract Background: To examine differences in maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among Chinese women with infertility due to various reasons who underwent assisted reproductive technology(ART). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included women who used ART for various reasons. Demographics, medical history, laboratory tests, and delivery data were reviewed. Results: The ART treatment group was divided into 5 subgroups according to reason for infertility: ovulation disorder, tubal disease, male factor, endometriosis, multiple infertility-related diagnoses. Compared with spontaneous pregnancies, significant increases in the following were observed with ART: rates of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM), preeclampsia, preterm premature rupture of membranes, postpartum hemorrhage, and chorioamnionitis in ovulation disorder; GDM, placenta previa and postpartum hemorrhage in tubal disease; placenta previa in endometriosis and male factor; and GDM, placenta previa and chorioamnionitis in multiple infertility-related diagnoses. Preterm birth, low birthweight, and small for gestational age were increased in all ART groups. Macrosomia and neonatal intensive care unit admission were increased in maternal factors with ART. Conclusions: During the perinatal period, women with different reasons for undergoing ART have different maternal characteristics and infant outcomes when compared with women not using ART, perinatal morbidities are higher in women undergoing ART for most reasons. The worst and best prognoses for infertility were found for that caused by ovulation disorder and male factor, respectively.