In vitro fertilization and childhood retinoblastoma

Aims To estimate the frequency of childhood retinoblastoma among children conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods Using the United Kingdom-based General Practice Research Database (GPRD), we identified all live births, cases of retinoblastoma and IVF procedures occurring between January 1989 and December 2001. Results We identified 0 cases of retinoblastoma among 176 children conceived by IVF (Risk = 0/176, one-sided 97.5% CI 0, 0.02) and 24 cases of retinoblastoma diagnosed before age 5 years among 358 094 children not conceived by IVF (6.7 cases per 100 000 births [95% CI 4.5, 10]). Conclusions These data provide some reassurance that children born as a result of IVF are not at markedly increased risk of retinoblastoma.