Congenital abnormalities in children born after assisted reproductive techniques: how much is associated with the presence of infertility and how much with its treatment?

Although there is increasing evidence to link couples with infertility undergoing all assisted reproductive technologies, particularly intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and congenital abnormalities, the reasons remain unclear. Much evidence suggests that infertility itself might be a risk factor, and further long-term follow-up studies involving different possible control groups will help determine whether these abnormalities are directly related to treatment. (Fertil Steril (R) 2005; 84: 1318-9. (c) 2005 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine).