Nordic IVF outcomes improving - is the same true for the UK?

Conclusion This study found an improvement in health outcomes around the time of birth for babies conceived using artificial reproductive technology (IVF, ICSI and frozen embryo transfer) over the last 20 years in four Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland).  The study sample was large and the methods robust. This means we can be relatively confident these results paint an accurate picture of what is going on in these countries. But two questions remain: are similar results found in the UK, and what is behind the improvement? On the first question, it is difficult to say without having direct UK data. The Nordic countries are famous for having highly developed and supportive healthcare systems, which may include differences in specific ART techniques and follow-up care. Each country is also likely to have different eligibility criteria that must be met to receive ART. These differences could influence whether improvements in ART would be seen across other countries. The bottom line is we can't be sure the same situation is happening in the UK based on this study. We need solid information from the UK system itself. There are a number of possible explanations for what caused the improvements. The most important reason, the research team said, was the dramatic decline in multiple births due to elective single embryo transfer. In IVF, there is the option of implanting a single embryo into the mother, or more than one. During the study, the rate of ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Pregnancy/child Source Type: news