Assisted reproduction technology outcomes in women with infertility and preexisting diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

Hormones (Athens). 2022 Mar;21(1):23-31. doi: 10.1007/s42000-021-00329-8. Epub 2021 Oct 20.

Abstract

Objective: To assess maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with or without preexisting diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment.

Methods: Prospective or retrospective controlled trials reporting on women with or without preexisting DM undergoing ART treatment were considered eligible. Twelve electronic databases were systematically searched up to December 2020. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Risk OF Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Each primary outcome was extracted and pooled as maternal- or neonatal-related.

Results: Two studies were included in the systematic review, reporting on both maternal- and neonatal-related parameters after ART treatment. Due to the limited data, no meta-analysis was conducted. Preterm birth, placenta previa, and excessive bleeding during pregnancy were observed more often in pregnancies complicated by preexisting DM conceived by ART compared with pregnancies without DM. There was no difference in the risk for placental abruption between the groups. Regarding the neonatal outcomes, large-for-gestational-age (LGA) embryos and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were more commonly reported for women with preexisting DM. In one study, preexisting DM was marginally associated with infant mortality.

Conclusions: Despite the scarce data, preexisting DM in pregnancies conceived by ART is associated with increased risk for maternal and neonatal complications.

Trial registration: Registered in PROSPERO (registration number: 143187).

Keywords: Assisted reproductive techniques; Diabetes mellitus; Neonatal complications; Pregnancy outcome.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infertility*
  • Placenta
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Premature Birth*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Technology