Birth of twins unrelated to each other or to their gestational mother.

This report records the first documented instance of a birth in which twins, genetically unrelated to each other, were born to a mother genetically unrelated to either of them. After an extensive history of infertility with multiple unsuccessful treatments, a 42-year-old woman gave birth to healthy twins following transfer of three embryos from two different donor sources. DNA testing confirmed that the twins represented both sources. This report adds to the growing body of literature documenting the successes of embryo donation to other couples, and supports the option of embryo mixing for those couples who wish to consider it.

A cost-effectiveness comparison of embryo donation with oocyte donation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost-effectiveness of embryo donation (ED) to that of oocyte donation (OD). DESIGN: Calculation of cost-effectiveness ratios (costs per outcome achieved) using data derived from clinical practices. SETTING: In vitro fertilization centers and embryo donation programs. PATIENT(S): Infertile couples undergoing oocyte donation or embryo donation. INTERVENTION(S): Oocyte donation or embryo donation cycles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cost-effectiveness ratios. RESULT(S): For a single cycle, ED is approximately twice as cost-effective as OD, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $21,990 per live delivery compared to 40,600 dollars. When strategies of up to three cycles (to achieve one live delivery) are used, ED costs 13,505 dollars per live delivery compared to 31,349 dollars for OD. CONCLUSION(S): Cost-effectiveness is a compelling reason for infertile couples to consider embryo donation.