Cost-effectiveness of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the economical benefit of preimplantation genetic testing of aneuploidies (PGT-A) when applied in an extended culture and stringent elective single ET framework. DESIGN: Theoretical cost-effectiveness study. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENTS/ANIMAL(S) None. INTERVENTION(S) Comparison of the cost-effectiveness between two IVF treatment strategies serial transfer of all available blastocysts without genetic testing (first fresh transfer and subsequent frozen-thawed transfer); and systematic use of genetic testing (trophectoderm biopsy, freeze-all, and frozen-thawed transfers of euploid blastocysts). The costs considered for this analysis are based on regional public health system provider. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Costs per live birth. RESULT(S) Cost-effectiveness profile of PGT-A improves with female age and number of available blastocysts. Sensitivity analyses varying the costs of ET, the costs of genetic analyses, the magnitude of the detrimental impact of PGT-A on live birth rate, and the crude live birth rates change to some extent the thresholds for effectiveness but generally confirm the notion that PGT-A can be economically advantageous in some specific subgroups. CONCLUSION(S) PGT-A can be cost-effective in specific clinical settings and population groups. Economic considerations deserve attention in the debate regarding the clinical utility of PGT-A.