Outcomes of Very Preterm Neonates Born by Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) : A Propensity Score Matched Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: To compare outcomes of preterm neonates born through assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and non-ART conception. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included very preterm neonates (26 weeks to 31 weeks) admitted to our neonatal unit over a six year period from 2014 to 2019. The primary outcome was composite adverse outcome of mortality or any of the major morbidities i.e., intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade ≥3, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) grade ≥2, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment.

Results: Total of 759 neonates (253 in ART group, 506 in non-ART group) were included after propensity score matching for gestational age, sex, and small for gestational age (SGA). Neonates in ART group had similar rates of composite adverse outcome [aOR (95% CI) 0.86 (0.55 – 1.36)], mortality [0.93, (0.53 –…