A cross-sectional evaluation of the first cohort of young adults conceived by in vitro fertilization in the United States

Abstract

Objective: To assess the quality of life and susceptibility for chronic disease development of the oldest generation of young adults conceived by IVF in the U.S.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Single tertiary clinic.

Patient(s): Young adults conceived by standard IVF between 1981 and 1990.

Intervention(s): Self-administered questionnaire.

Main outcome measure(s): Indicators of physical, psychologic, and behavioral health.

Result(s): A total of 173 (31%) of 560 eligible young adults completed the questionnaire. Mean age was 21.2 years (range 18-26 years) and male-to-female ratio was 3:4. A limited number were conceived through gamete donation but none through oocyte/embryo micromanipulation. Prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 35% and 10%, respectively. More than 65% were ever diagnosed with a chronic condition; most diagnoses were psychiatric, ocular, respiratory, and cardiometabolic in nature. Almost 40% of respondents were lifetime smokers, 62% reported binge drinking in the previous year, and >90% were physically active in the preceding month. Survey participants were mostly similar to a subsample of the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on selected health indicators.

Conclusion(s): Young adults conceived by IVF appear to be healthy and well adjusted, although the preponderance of psychologic health problems requires further investigation.

Figure 1

Flowchart of recruitment and enrollment procedures.