Abstract: BACKGROUND: This is the first follow-up study of the cognitive, psychosocial, family-relational and medical development of ICSI children at ages 8 and 10. Second-wave study results on the cognitive and motor development of 10-year-old ICSI children are discussed and compared with the outcome at 8 years. METHODS: Developmental outcomes of 109 10-year-old singletons born through ICSI after at least 32 weeks of gestation were compared with those of 90 singletons of the same age born after spontaneous conception (SC). The outcomes were also compared with the outcomes of the children at age 8. RESULTS: 10-year-old ICSI children obtained total, verbal and performance intelligence scores comparable to those of SC children. No significant differences were found between ICSI and SC children regarding overall motor, manual and ball skills. ICSI children and girls appear to have better balance skills than SC children and boys, respectively. With regard to long-term follow-up, the IQ results of ICSI and SC children at age 10 appear to have converged (from slightly higher scores in the ICSI children at age 8), probably indicating a decreased effect of maternal educational level or stimulating home environment in the ICSI group over time. CONCLUSIONS: In this follow-up study, ICSI and SC children show a comparable cognitive and motor development until the age of 10. These findings are in line with those obtained at age 8.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is little information about the long-term outcome of children born after ICSI. In this study, the eldest cohort of ICSI children worldwide, reaching the age of 8 years, was investigated at the prepubertal stage to monitor subsequent puberty and future fertility. To investigate possible health problems, a thorough medical and neurological examination was performed. METHODS: Medical outcome of 8-year-old singletons (n=150) born through ICSI (>or=32 weeks) was compared with that of 147 singletons of the same age born after spontaneous conception (SC). Information about their general health was obtained from the parents by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifteen of 150 ICSI children experienced a major congenital malformation compared with 5/147 SC children (P < 0.05). Pubertal staging was similar in both groups. Neurological examination did not show important differences between ICSI and SC children. ICSI children did not require more remedial therapy or surgery or hospitalization than SC children. CONCLUSION: Physical examination including a thorough neurological examination did not reveal important differences between the two groups. Major congenital malformations were significantly more frequent in the ICSI group. However, most of them were corrected by minor surgery. Further monitoring of these children at an older age is recommended.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: As a continuation of two large-scale, multicentre studies on the development of 5-year-old ICSI children, we present results of the follow-up study undertaken on the cognitive and motor development of 8-year-old ICSI children. METHODS: Developmental outcomes of 151 8-year-old singletons born through ICSI after 32 weeks of gestation were compared with those of 153 singletons of the same age born after spontaneous conception (SC). Part of this population was seen in a cohort at the age 5 years. Outcome measures include Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and Movement Assessment Battery for Children (ABC). RESULTS: Regarding intellectual functioning, ICSI children tend to obtain significantly higher total (P < 0.01), verbal (P < 0.01) and performance (P < 0.05) intelligence scores than SC children, nevertheless remaining in similar ranges. These effects are small (Cohen's d < 0.50). High maternal educational level stayed in the regression as a factor accounting for some of the variance in total IQ between the groups. In terms of motor development, no significant differences were found between ICSI and SC children regarding overall motor skills, manual, balance and ball skills. CONCLUSION: In this follow-up study, ICSI and SC children show a comparable cognitive and motor development until the age of 8 years.
