Fetal Cardiac Function and Remodeling in In Vitro Fertilization Pregnancies: A Tertiary Center Experience

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate fetal cardiac functions and remodeling in pregnancies conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

This prospective case–control study included 40 singleton IVF pregnancies and 46 uncomplicated control pregnancies at 28–36 weeks of gestation. The IVF group consisted of pregnancies applied to the outpatient clinic, excluding those with anatomical or chromosomal abnormalities. Fetal cardiac morphological measurements, left myocardial performance index (MPI), cardiac output, spectral, tissue Doppler, and M-mode measurements were recorded. Ventricular and great vessel size were assessed for fetal cardiac morphology, while MPI, spectral Doppler, and tissue Doppler parameters were assessed for cardiac function.

Results

The right atrial area was statistically increased and the right ventricular basal sphericity index was statistically decreased in the IVF group. The mitral and aortic valves were smaller in the IVF group, while tricuspid and pulmonary valve measurements were similar. Left ventricular ejection time was statistically lower in the IVF group, although the MPI was similar. The IVF group had a higher right fetal MPI on tissue Doppler imaging, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study suggests that IVF pregnancies may demonstrate some effects of fetal cardiac remodeling and mild systolic dysfunction.