Assisted reproduction and its implications for paediatrics

Article Abstract:

Up until the 1960s, the incidence of twin and triplet births declined around the world. However, since that time, there has been a large jump in multiple births, which is strongly related to methods used to treat previously infertile couples. Many causes of infertility exist, and several treatment methods have been developed, including stimulation of ovulation, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT, in which harvested eggs and sperm are placed in the fallopian tubes), and in vitro fertilization (IVF, in which eggs are fertilized outside the body, then transferred to the uterus). Triplets and higher-number multiple births have a much greater rate of complications and death for both mother and children. Premature birth is the major cause of mortality in these babies, and this may be related to factors related to infertility as well as the multiple fetuses. It is unclear whether multiple-birth children have a higher rate of congenital abnormalities. Social aspects of families with these births have not been well studied. To decrease the incidence of complications and death associated with multiple births, efforts are underway in Great Britain to regulate the number of transferred embryos in IVF. GIFT should also be considered for more careful regulation. Selective fetocide (aborting one or more of the multiple fetuses) is an alternative treatment for decreasing multiple births and is more controversial; there is a risk that it may cause loss of all fetuses. The legal status of this procedure is unclear. It is likely that the incidence of multiple births will continue to rise, leading to increased burdens on neonatal intensive care units. Communication and cooperation with gynecological practices and possible use of insurance policies by people requiring assisted reproduction to cover the need for neonatal intensive care are two possibilities to address the problems associated with multiple births. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, United Kingdom, Complications and side effects, Human reproductive technology, Fertilization in vitro, Human, Human fertilization in vitro, Multiple birth, editorial, Great Britain

---

STRANGE TALES OF SMALL MEN: HOMUNCULI IN REPRODUCTION

Article Abstract:

Wholesale dismissal of disproved scientific theories may jeopardize further research and important discoveries. The homunculi are one example. While it has been proven that miniature human beings are not curled up in the heads of sperm, it has also been proven that the heads of sperm contain crucial data for the formation of human beings.

United States, Research, History, Spermatozoa, Sperm

---

Evidence undermining the adequacy of the HIV reproduction number formula

Article Abstract:

The HIV reproduction number formula may be an inadequate method for determining the transmission rate of HIV because it includes a calculation of the number of sexual contacts. Because this information may be impossible to obtain, efforts are underway to find a more reliable method.

Models, HIV infection, HIV infections

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Glucose transporters and insulin action: implications for insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Nerves, fat, and insulin resistance
• Abstracts: Medical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Androstenedione Use. Creatine and androstenedione -- two "dietary supplements."
• Abstracts: The human genome: a prospect for pediatrics. Of methods and mapping. What is the human genome mapping project?
• Abstracts: Preparing for a hospital stay. Loneliness affects everyone sometimes. Acute delirium: It sometimes occurs in a hospital setting
• Abstracts: Cleaning up the home and the environment: a Florida youth's determination to improve the world around her. Health visiting in a custodial environment

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.