Perturbations in finger length and digit ratio (2D:4D) in ICSI children.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to overcome severe male-factor infertility where males are azoospermic or have poor quality spermatozoa. Perturbations of finger length (short finger length adjusted for height and high second-to-fourth digit ratio, or 2D:4D) have been described in azoospermic men and men who are rated as having low sexual attractiveness. High 2D:4D has been described in women with high fecundity. Such perturbations may be related to endocrine regulation of some homeobox genes. This study compared finger length and 2D:4D in singleton children conceived with the help of ICSI with those in naturally conceived singleton controls. Participants were recruited from centres in Germany and the UK. There were 211 children conceived by ICSI and 195 controls. Finger length was measured from photocopies of the ventral surface of the hand. In comparison to controls, male and female ICSI children had shorter fingers after correction for height. There was also evidence that female ICSI children may have higher 2D:4D than female controls. Perturbations in finger length in ICSI children may be inherited from their fathers and, in the case of boys, could be associated with lower fertility and reduced sexual attractiveness. For ICSI females, increased 2D:4D may be associated with increased fertility.

Follow-up of children born after ART.

Assisted reproductive therapies (ART), namely in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have become widely used in the treatment of human infertility. Children conceived using ART represent a substantial proportion of the population. Follow-up of these children is necessary in order to evaluate the risks of infertility treatment upon subsequently conceived offspring. In recent years there has been considerable work in this field. This review summarises current evidence regarding the health of children conceived following ART, encompassing neonatal outcomes, the risk of congenital malformations, neurodevelopmental outcome, physical health, psychosocial well being, and the risk of cancer. The main risks for the future well being of ART children remain multiple pregnancies and low birth weight. Evidence regarding the outcome of singletons born at term following ART is generally reassuring. It is essential that follow-up of ART children continues as they progress through adolescence into adulthood.