International Collaborative Study of ICSI: Child and Family Outcomes (ICSI-CFO)

The aim of the study is to investigate the implications for family health and the health of children conceived after Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a new technology in the treatment of infertility which is now used in over 750 assisted reproductive clinics in Europe. ICSI children are expected to display the following in comparison with naturally conceived and regular in-vitro-fertilisation conceived children: a greater occurrence of minor physical anomalies, a greater rate of fine/gross motor difficulties and temperamental or behavioural problems. Children in the study have been recruited in five European countries: Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Greece and the UK with a total sample of 1500. The project co-directors are Dr. Alastair Sutcliffe (Royal Free & University College Medical School, London) and Dr. Maryse Bonduelle (Centrum Medische Genetica, Brussels). Professor Jacqueline Barnes is a member of the Steering Committee and responsible for the family and child socio-emotional outcomes. The study is funded by the European Commission.