[Intracytoplasmic sperm injection--risk of abnormalities].

BACKGROUND: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is performed in a large number of fertility clinics; since 1991, several thousand children have been conceived by this method. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is different than traditional in vitro-fertilization (IVF) in that a single spermatozoon is mechanically transferred into a mature oocyte using a glass pipette. Concern has been raised as to whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection damages the chromosomes and/or the spindle apparatus in the oocyte, leading to an increased risk of congenital abnormalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have reviewed the literature on congenital abnormalities in children conceived by intracytoplasmatic sperm injection. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Although the reports are methodologically heterogeneous, most articles conclude that intracytoplasmatic sperm injection does not cause a statistically significant increased risk of congenital abnormalities compared to traditional in vitro fertilization or normally conceived children. However, some studies do report an increased risk. The issue cannot be finally settled until even larger studies on children conceived by intracytoplasmatic sperm injection are published.