Does previous TORCH infections affect fertility and neonatal outcomes after assisted reproduction?

This study investigated if previous TORCH infections affect outcomes during assisted reproduction (AR) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI). They found that there was no link between previous TORCH infections and negative fertility/neonatal outcomes.

A healthy pregnancy is important for the mother and baby (neonate). Reducing the risk of infection is important. Certain infections are associated with poor fertility and neonatal outcomes. These are called TORCH infections. They include toxoplasmosis (TOX), rubella, herpes simplex, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). If these infections are present in the uterus during pregnancy, they can lead to abnormalities. It can also lead to miscarriage (MC).

Some of these viruses and bacteria are present in the body for a long time. You can be exposed to them at many stages in life. Many women undergoing assisted reproduction (AR) have been exposed to TORCH infections some time in their lives. The effect of previous TORCH infection on fertility and neonatal outcomes during AR is unclear. 

This study included 18,074 couples undergoing AR. Women were routinely tested for TORCH infections. This was achieved by measuring TORCH antibodies. Fertility and neonatal outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), preterm birth (PTB), miscarriage rate (MCR), and perinatal death (PND; death of the baby close after being born) were evaluated. 

Previous TOX infection was associated with a 24.5% reduction in the PTB rate. There was no association between a previous TORCH infection and CPR, LBR, PND or ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb such as in a Fallopian tube).

The authors concluded that there was no link between previous TORCH infections and fertility or neonatal outcomes in women undergoing IVF/ICSI.

This study was based on medical records. Unknown factors could affect the findings. The long-term effect of TORCH infections on neonatal outcomes is still unclear. This study was conducted in Asian women only. The rate of TORCH infection is high in this population. The findings may not be applicable to other regions or ethnicities.