A direct healthcare cost analysis of the cryopreserved versus fresh transfer policy at the blastocyst stage

Abstract

A cost analysis covering direct healthcare costs relating to IVF freeze-all policy was conducted. Normal- and high- responder patients treated with a freeze-all policy (n = 63) compared with fresh transfer IVF (n = 189) matched by age, body mass index, duration and cause of infertility, predictive factors for IVF (number of oocytes used for fertilization) and study period, according to a 1:3 ratio were included. Total costs per patient (€6952 versus €6863) and mean costs per live birth were similar between the freeze-all strategy (€13,101, 95% CI 10,686 to 17,041) and fresh transfer IVF (€15,279, 95% CI 13,212 to 18,030). A mean per live birth cost-saving of €2178 (95% CI -1810 to 6165) resulted in a freeze-all strategy owing to fewer embryo transfer procedures (1.29 ± 0.5 versus 1.41 ± 0.7); differences were not significant. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the freeze-all strategy remained cost-effective until the live birth rate is either higher or only slightly lower (≥-0.59%) in the freeze-all group compared with fresh cycles. A freeze-all policy does not increase costs compared with fresh transfer, owing to negligible additional expenses, i.e. vitrification, endometrial priming and monitoring, against fewer embryo transfer procedures required to achieve pregnancy.

Top quality blastocyst formation rates in relation to progesterone levels on the day of oocyte maturation in GnRH antagonist IVF/ICSI cycles

“…All patients were treated with a GnRH antagonist protocol as previously described [21–22]. Briefly, both initial dose of FSH and dose adjustments during treatment were chosen on a case-by-case basis according to patients’ characteristics.…”

Multifactorial analysis of the stochastic epigenetic variability in cord blood confirmed an impact of common behavioral and environmental factors but not of in vitro conception

“…Controlled ovarian stimulation was performed according to the clinical practice and as previously described [ 46 – 48 ]. Oocyte collection was performed 36 h after triggering of ovulation.…”

Assisted Reproduction Techniques and Acupuncture: Does it works? Literature review

“…This leads to a lack of regulation or reliable statistics about the real cost to patients. However, Papaleo et al 27 recently compared two embryo transfer strategies aiming to analyse the real costs of each of them in order to choose the best option. From this study it can be observed that the average to achieve a live birth varies between €13,101 and €15,279 according to the transfer policy used.…”

“…From this study it can be observed that the average to achieve a live birth varies between €13,101 and €15,279 according to the transfer policy used. 27 These numbers show that in spite of the numerous advances in ART, the implantation and pregnancy rates do not increase significantly, and the cost-results ratio is still disproportionate. Dr. Robert Edwards estimated that 85% of embryos transferred in the uterine cavity fail to implant.…”