Vascular Dysfunction in Offspring of Assisted Reproduction Technologies

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The prevalence of infertility has been estimated at 9% worldwide. The steadily increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has allowed millions of infertile couples to have children. These children make up for 1 to 4% of the population in developed countries. ART involves the manipulation of early embryos at a time when they may be particularly vulnerable to external disturbances. In line with this concept, studies in mice suggest that ART alters the activity of enzymes involved in the regulation of metabolic and cardiovascular homeostasis. Alternatively, infertility itself or the drugs used to stimulate ovulation may have adverse effects on the outcome of the offspring. The safety of ART for long-term health is, therefore, of utmost importance. Among the potential long-term consequences of ART, cardiovascular disease may represent an important candidate, but there is no information. Investigators show that, children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) present systemic and pulmonary vascular dysfunction at high-altitude when compared to age- and sex-matched control subjects. A 5 years follow-up study shows that premature vascular aegieng persist and evolve to arterial hypertension. Arterial hypertension may induce cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, the major goal of this proposal is to assess cardiac function in apparently healthy participants born after ART.

Official Title
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Vascular Dysfunction in Offspring of Assisted Reproduction Technologies

Conditions
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Infertility

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Transthoracic echocardiography


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Offspring of ART Healthy Born at term Exclusion Criteria: Cardio-pulmonary malformations Neuro-muscular malformations

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| ART (Assited reproductive technologies)<br>In participants born after IVF will be performed a transthoracic echocardiography | Diagnostic Test: Transthoracic echocardiography<br>* Full transthoracic echocardiography will be performed.<br>|
| Control<br>In participants naturally conceived will be performed a transthoracic echocardiography | Diagnostic Test: Transthoracic echocardiography<br>* Full transthoracic echocardiography will be performed.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cardiac function | Ejection fraction [%] | 1 year | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Left ventricular musce mass | Left ventricular muscle mass [g/m2] | 1 year | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Vascular function in offspring of ART