Authors: Venn, Alison¹; Hemminki, Elina²; Watson, Lyndsey¹; Bruinsma, Fiona¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 16, Number 12, December 2001 , pp. 2691-2696(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Risks associated with IVF and related assisted reproduction technologies include complications of ovarian stimulation, surgical procedures and pregnancy itself. Serious complications are uncommon but may be potentially life threatening. The aims of this study were to compare the mortality rates of women who received IVF treatment, as well as those who were referred but were not treated, with the mortality rate in the general female population, to determine the maternal mortality rate following IVF conception and to establish whether any deaths had occurred as a result of treatment complications. METHODS: Deaths were identified in a cohort of 29 700 Australian IVF patients by record-linkage with the National Death Index and a cancer registry. RESULTS: The all-cause mortality rates in IVF patients (treated and untreated) were significantly lower than in the general female population of the same age. In treated women, 72 deaths were observed and 125 deaths were expected giving an age-standardized mortality ratio of 0.58 (95% confidence interval 0.48–0.69). Two maternal deaths were identified in the 42 days of the puerperium. Complications of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome could not be directly related to any of the deaths identified in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: As well as providing some reassurance about the safety of IVF treatments, the findings point to the existence of a `healthy patient effect' whereby the unhealthiest women in the population are deterred from pregnancy and infertility treatment.

Keywords: complications of treatment; death; follow-up; IVF; maternal mortality

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Centre for the Study of Mothers' and Children's Health, La Trobe University, Carlton 3053, 2: Stakes (the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health), Helsinki 00531, Finland,

Publication date: 2001-12-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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