In vitro babies had more defects, study says

NEW YORK - Certain birth defects multiplied and in some cases more than quadrupled when children were conceived through in vitro fertilization and similar techniques, according to the largest US study of the abnormalities.

Twice the number of some heart abnormalities occurred among infants born using the techniques, called assisted reproductive technologies, in which both eggs and sperm were handled, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said yesterday in the report. Cleft lip cases more than doubled. The risk of gastrointestinal defects was at least fourfold.

Even so, the overall risk of defects from the technique remains low, researchers said. Assisted reproductive technology has been used since 1981.

BLOOMBERG