Does G-CSF treatment have an effect on offspring of patients assisted reproduction?

This study compared the health of babies born to parents treated with G-CSF for multiple miscarriages to those born without G-CSF treatment. The study found that G-CSF did not affect the health of newborns.

Despite medical advances, many couples still experience multiple miscarriages. One cause is a genetic mismatch between the mother and offspring called KIR-HLA-C mismatch. Patients with this do not activate the immune system in the womb properly. This prevents proper attachment of the fertilized egg and development of the placenta. The placenta gives blood from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. An underdeveloped placenta can lead to miscarriage.

G-CSF is a molecule that is naturally produced and helps placenta development. It is administered to women suffering from multiple miscarriages because of the KIR-HLA-C mismatch. While G-CSF has reduced the number of miscarriages, it is unknown if it affects babies born following treatment.

The health of 33 babies born following G-CSF treatment was compared to 3798 babies born following medical treatments for infertility that did not include G-CSF (control group). 

There were no significant differences between the health of the babies in both groups. Babies born after G-CSF treatment had an average birth weight of 3145 g compared to 2952 g in the control group. Babies had an average length of 48.7 cm in the G-CSF group and 50.2 cm in the control group. The percentage of babies with low birth weights (below 2500 g) was 11.8% in the G-CSF group and 19.6% in the control group. 2.5% of babies had a very low birth weight (below 1500 g) in the control group and 0% in the G-CSF group.

The length of the pregnancy at birth (gestational age) did not differ significantly between groups.  The average gestational age of babies in the G-CSF group was 37 weeks and 38 weeks in the control group.  9.5% of babies were born prematurely (before week 36) after G-CSF treatment compared to 10% in the control group.  2.2% of babies were born greatly prematurely (before week 32) in the control group while none were in the G-CSF group.

There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to genetic abnormalities. 2.1% of babies were born with genetic abnormalities in the control group compared to none in the G-CSF group.

The authors concluded that G-CSF treatment for multiple miscarriages in women with KIR-HLA-C mismatch did not affect the health of newborn babies.

The long-term effects of G-CSF on children's health were not investigated. This study was limited by the use of data from medical records for analysis. A low number of babies were examined after G-CSF treatment and more data is needed to confirm the significance of the findings. 

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding treatment and healthy pregnancies.