Register and biobank on influence of assisted reproduction on pregnancy, maternal and neonatal outcome
摘要
Infertility affects 10–15% of couples worldwide. In Austria, the In Vitro Fertilization Fund supports assisted reproductive technology under specific conditions. While assisted reproductive technology is generally effective, its impact on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes remains under discussion.
MethodsThe Register and Biobank on the Influence of Assisted Reproduction on Pregnancy, Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes is a prospective multicenter register and biobank. It includes five in vitro fertilization centers and two obstetric departments in Vienna and Lower Austria. Standardized clinical and laboratory data are collected via electronic case report forms and pseudonymized using a unique code linking fertility and obstetric data. Recruitment started in 2022, and biobanking (blood, urine, placenta, and umbilical cord samples) was added in 2025.
ResultsBy early 2025, complete data were available for 366 patients. Male infertility was the most frequent indication (231 cases), followed by tubal factor infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. The register enables linking of assisted reproductive technology procedures with detailed pregnancy and neonatal outcomes such as Apgar scores, delivery mode, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit transfers.
ConclusionThis register offers a unique real-world dataset connecting assisted reproductive technology treatment with maternal and neonatal outcomes. Continued recruitment will support hypothesis-driven research and improve assisted reproductive technology practices. It underlines the importance of high-quality, longitudinal data to understand potential assisted reproductive technology-related risks and guide future care.