The IVF Offspring Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study (IVF-BIG) was established to investigate the short- and long-term effects of exposure in early life on the health of mothers and offspring in Guangzhou, China. Data are collected regarding assisted reproductive technology (ART), environmental, occupational and lifestyle exposures as well as health outcomes in their later life. Biological samples including blood and tissue samples are also collected from participants.
It has been 40 years since the first IVF baby born in the world. The effects of hormonal drugs used on women and health of IVF offspring have always been concerned in the reproductive field and in public. With the increase of the prevalence of infertility and development of ART, China is facing a IVF babies boom. It has been reported that ART was associated with higher risk of cancers among women undergoing treatment of ART, and an increased incidence of autism and noncommunicable chronic diseases, such as obesity, among IVF offspring. Epigenetics is documented as one of the possible mechanisms, while answers remain to be explored. A birth cohort would provide an opportunity to examine the short- and long-term effects of ART exposure on health consequences of the mothers and babies.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
3,000
Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
RECRUITINGIntelligence quotient of offspring
Assessed using Wechsler's Intelligence Scale of Children (WISC) including verbal test and performance test.Intelligence quotient ranges from 40 to 160, in which under 70 is defined as mental retardation
Time frame: At age of 6 years old
Prevalence of gestational diabetes, pregnancy induced hypertension, and cesarean section
Assessed by self-reported time of onset and electronic medical records
Time frame: From 20 weeks of gestation to delivery
Prevalence of stillbirth, preterm birth, small for gestational age, large for gestational age and birth defect
Assesed by electronic records
Time frame: At delivery
Neurodevelopment at early childhood
Assessed using Gesell Developmental Schedules, including five items of adaptive, gross motor, fine motor, language, and social function
Time frame: At age of 1 year old
Epegenetic profiles of offspring
Profiling DNA methylation and histone acetylation etc., using blood samples
Time frame: At age of 1 year, 6 years, 12years and 18 years old
Changes of body composition and bone density during early childhood
Assessed using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Time frame: At age of 3 years,6 years, 12 years and 18 years old
Height changes during early childhood
Height changes from birth, to age of 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years old
Time frame: At birth, age of 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years old
Weight changes during early childhood
Weight changes from birth, to age of 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years old
Time frame: At birth, age of 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years old
Change of intestinal flora during early childhood
Assessed by analyses of stool samples
Time frame: At age of 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 6 years, 12 years and 18 years old
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