News | Fertility Treatment May Increase Postpartum Stroke Risk
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that women who received fertility treatment had a significantly higher risk of hospitalization for stroke within one year after delivery, particularly hemorrhagic stroke. Although stroke is relatively uncommon among women of reproductive age, it is a leading cause of pregnancy-related death. The study examined the association between fertility treatment and stroke hospitalization and proposed new clinical screening and follow-up considerations.
Background
As female infertility becomes more common, more women are receiving fertility treatment. These treatments are generally considered safe, with low rates of acute complications, but they are associated with increased risks of pregnancy and postpartum complications, especially cardiovascular complications. Stroke is the world's third leading cause of death and accounts for nearly 27% of pregnancy-related deaths.
Methods
The study used data from the U.S. Nationwide Readmissions Database, covering more than 31 million women hospitalized for delivery from 2010 to 2018. It compared stroke hospitalization risk between women who received fertility treatment and those who conceived without treatment. Treatments included intrauterine insemination, assisted reproductive technology (ART), fertility preservation, and surrogacy.
Results
Stroke hospitalization occurred in 37 per 100,000 women who received fertility treatment, compared with 29 per 100,000 among those who conceived without treatment. Within one year after delivery, treated women had a 66% higher risk of stroke hospitalization. The risk of hemorrhagic stroke doubled, while ischemic stroke risk rose by about 50%.
Although some earlier studies associated fertility treatment with lower cardiovascular risk, this study suggested that fertility treatment, particularly ART, may increase stroke incidence through endothelial injury and procoagulant mechanisms.
Significance
The findings show a significant association between fertility treatment and postpartum stroke hospitalization, especially hemorrhagic stroke. The analysis did not include factors such as diabetes and gestational hypertension that could affect the results, and the researchers recommended that future studies consider these factors.
The study also has clinical implications: cardiovascular screening before fertility treatment may be appropriate for all women, particularly older patients. The findings emphasize close follow-up and timely intervention to reduce stroke risk.
News | Fertility Treatment May Increase Postpartum Stroke Risk
News | Fertility Treatment May Increase Postpartum Stroke Risk
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that women who received fertility treatment had a significantly higher risk of hospitalization for stroke within one year after delivery, particularly hemorrhagic stroke. Although stroke is relatively uncommon among women of reproductive age, it is a leading cause of pregnancy-related death. The study examined the association between fertility treatment and stroke hospitalization and proposed new clinical screening and follow-up considerations.
Background
As female infertility becomes more common, more women are receiving fertility treatment. These treatments are generally considered safe, with low rates of acute complications, but they are associated with increased risks of pregnancy and postpartum complications, especially cardiovascular complications. Stroke is the world's third leading cause of death and accounts for nearly 27% of pregnancy-related deaths.
Methods
The study used data from the U.S. Nationwide Readmissions Database, covering more than 31 million women hospitalized for delivery from 2010 to 2018. It compared stroke hospitalization risk between women who received fertility treatment and those who conceived without treatment. Treatments included intrauterine insemination, assisted reproductive technology (ART), fertility preservation, and surrogacy.
Results
Stroke hospitalization occurred in 37 per 100,000 women who received fertility treatment, compared with 29 per 100,000 among those who conceived without treatment. Within one year after delivery, treated women had a 66% higher risk of stroke hospitalization. The risk of hemorrhagic stroke doubled, while ischemic stroke risk rose by about 50%.
Although some earlier studies associated fertility treatment with lower cardiovascular risk, this study suggested that fertility treatment, particularly ART, may increase stroke incidence through endothelial injury and procoagulant mechanisms.
Significance
The findings show a significant association between fertility treatment and postpartum stroke hospitalization, especially hemorrhagic stroke. The analysis did not include factors such as diabetes and gestational hypertension that could affect the results, and the researchers recommended that future studies consider these factors.
The study also has clinical implications: cardiovascular screening before fertility treatment may be appropriate for all women, particularly older patients. The findings emphasize close follow-up and timely intervention to reduce stroke risk.
Source:
Compiled from online sources