Severe Early Childhood Caries in IVF Children: An Observational Study with Comparative Evaluation

Abstract

Context: Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is one of the major problems affecting the tooth structure in childhood before 71 months of age. It may affect both In vitro fertilization (IVF) and spontaneously conceived children. Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate, identify, and compare the prevalence of S-ECC in the deciduous dentition of IVF and spontaneously conceived children before 71 months of age. Settings and Design: In a cross-sectional, observational, case–control study, the S-ECC status of children aged 24–71 months was assessed. The studied case group comprised term, singleton babies who were the outcome of IVF in the studied area. The control group comprised term, first child, singleton, and spontaneously conceived 24–71-month-old children who were also resident of the studied area. A sample of 103 IVF and 162 spontaneously conceived children was examined utilizing Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST). Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square tests (c2) or Z test. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in some aspects among the studied, i.e., IVF children, and control group, i.e., spontaneously conceived children. Conclusions: IVF children are considered better than spontaneously conceived children in some aspects when studied in relation to S-ECC status evaluated through CAST.

Keywords

• children
• dental
• in vitro fertilization
• prevalence
• severe early childhood caries