Over 900 oocyte cryopreservation babies born with no apparent increase in congenital anomalies

Abstract

Over the past decade, the number of reported live births resulting from oocyte cryopreservation has rapidly increased. To appreciate the true number of children born, verified live births were tabulated and assessed. A literature search was performed; authors were then contacted to verify birth outcomes and provide updates. A database including all verified live born infants was constructed. A total of 58 reports (1986-2008) were reviewed, which included 609 live born babies (308 from slow freezing, 289 from vitrification and 12 from both methods). Additionally, 327 other live births were verified. Of the total 936 live borns, 1.3% (12) were noted to have birth anomalies: three ventricular septal defects, one choanal and one biliary atresia, one Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, one Arnold-Chiari syndrome, one cleft palate, three clubfoot and one skin haemangioma. Compared with congenital anomalies occurring in naturally conceived infants, no difference was noted. With more live born data accumulating, this procedure may become mainstream as a fertility preservation option, particularly for women diagnosed with malignancy requiring cytotoxic therapy. A registry would help to assure the safest, most expeditious development of this technology.