Outcomes of neonates born at Riga Maternity Hospital following in vitro fertilization procedures

The objective of this study was to obtain statistical data regarding neonates born out of IVF by analysing demographic, anthropometric and neonatal morbidity data retrieved from the largest national maternity hospital. In this retrospective, descriptive cohort study we analysed medical documentation on 509 pregnant women and 558 neonates who were in-patient at the Riga Maternity Hospital from 2017 until 2019. In the data analysis we included maternal medical history as well as neonatal birth data and morbidity. Average maternal age was 34±4 years. 51.9% of the neonates were male, average gestational age was 38 weeks, average weight – 3307 grams. Incidence of multiple births were 17,5 %, prematurely born were 55.1% of twins. There were 460 singleton and 49 twin deliveries. A moderate correlation between twin pregnancy and prematurity were found (r=0.48). A high incidence of very premature birth rates (gestational weeks 28–33) was found in twin pregnancies. Adaptation disorders were observed in 5.9% of the cases, and 8.9% of the neonates required admission to the intensive care unit. Congenital abnormalities were observed in 1.6% of the neonates, but 5.3% of the neonates were small for gestational age. Use of IVF is associated with a higher incidence of multiple deliveries which is associated with a higher risk of prematurity. Adaptation disorders and need of intensive care are observed more frequently in neonates born out of IVF than in the general population.Incidence of genetic disorders did not exceed those observed in the general population, but this may be due to insufficient data. Integration of information regarding manipulations and outcomes in the newborn registry is required in order to evaluate the economic and clinical efficiency and outcomes of IVF.