Risk of cranial ultrasound abnormalities in very-low-birth-weight infants conceived with assisted reproductive techniques.

Objective: To evaluate risks of cranial ultrasound abnormalities among very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants conceived with fertility therapy (ovulation induction only or with assisted reproductive techniques [ART]) and of multiple gestation pregnancies.

Methods: The incidences of cranial ultrasound abnormalities in 1473 VLBW infants conceived with and without fertility therapy and born of multiple versus singleton pregnancies were compared, using logistic regression models.

Results: Infants conceived with ART were less likely to have intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Twins and triplets had risks of cranial ultrasound abnormalities similar to those of singletons. Twins and triplets conceived with ART were at lower risk of IVH.

Conclusions: VLBW infants conceived with ART do not appear to be at increased risk of cranial ultrasound abnormalities. Likewise, twins and triplets were not at increased risk of these abnormalities.