Outcome of pregnancies derived from assisted reproductive technologies: IVF versus ICSI

Purpose: To compare the course and outcome of in vitro fertilization (NF) a nd intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) pregnancies. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a university-affiliated NF unit with 200 patients who conceived in 1996-1997, 100 with ICSI and 100 wi th IVF. Data were retrieved from our prospectively created computerized dat abase. In addition, all patients were interviewed by telephone, and the int erviewing physician completed a detailed questionnaire. Findings for the NF and ICSI pregnancies were compared The main outcome measures were maternal age, implantation rate, early pregnancy complications, clinical abortion r ate, multiple pregnancy delivery rate, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, and birth weight. Results: In all, 238 children were born, including 104 singleton infants (4 5 IVF, 59 ICSI), 49 twin pairs (28 IVF, 21 ICSI), and 12 tripler sets (3 NF ; 9 ICSI). Statistically significant differences between the ICSI and IVF g roups were noted for maternal age (31.3 +/- 4.4 vs. 33.4 +/- 4.8 respective ly P < 0.005) and clinical abortion rate (11% vs. 24%, respectively, P < 0. 05). Conclusions: ICSI pregnancies in our series were characterized by a lower c linical abortion rate than IVF pregnancies, probably because of the mean yo unger age of the ICSI group.