Publication:

Maternal and perinatal outcome following assisted reproductive technology in a tertiary care centre: a retrospective study

Background Infertility is a major issue and a source of social and psychological suffering for many couples. Introduction of assisted reproductive technology (ART) leads to great relief for couples nowadays.

Methods Present study was a retrospective study conducted at K.E.M hospital, a major tertiary care hospital after approval of the institutional ethics committee. A retrospective analysis of maternal and perinatal outcome of 30 cases of ART conception from the year 2014 to 2018 was done.

Results The mean age of women enrolled into present study was 37.6 years and most common age group was 30-50 years. The main cause of infertility was unexplained (40%), other causes were female factor (33.33%), male factor (16.67%) and combined (10%). 63.33% pregnancies were singleton and 36.67% twin gestations. The most common complication seen was preterm labour (43.33%). The other complications were preeclampsia/eclampsia (33.33%), gestational hypertension, renal failure, gestational diabetes, cardiomyopathy, hepatic failure, HELLP syndrome and DIC. 60% patients had caesarean section and 40% had vaginal delivery.90.24% neonates had 5-minute Apgar score of more than or equal to 7 and 9.76% had score less than 7. There were 4 stillbirths accounting for 9.76% and out of live births,75.68% babies required NICU admission. There were 5 neonatal deaths (12.2%) and perinatal death rate was 21.95%.

Conclusions ART is associated with a variety of maternal and perinatal complications. Couples should therefore be counseled about these risks while offering them ART as a mode of conception.