A cost-effectiveness analysis of in-vitro fertilization by maternal age and number of treatment attempts

Authors: Griffiths, Alison; Dyer, Suzanne M.; Lord, Sarah J.; Pardy, Chris; Fraser, Ian S.; Eckermann, Simon

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 25, Number 4, 5 April 2010 , pp. 924-931(8)

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND

The increase in use and costs of assisted reproductive therapies including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has led to debate over public funding. A decision analytic model was designed to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of IVF by additional treatment programmes and maternal age.

METHODS

Data from the Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproductive Database were used to estimate incremental effects (live birth and other pregnancy outcomes) and costs for cohorts of women attempting up to three treatment programmes. A treatment programme included one fresh cycle and a variable number of frozen cycles dependent on maternal age.

RESULTS

The incremental cost per live birth ranged from AU27 373 and AU31 986 for women aged 3033 on their first and third programmes to AU130 951 and AU187 515 for 4245-year-old women on their first and second attempts. Overall, these trends were not affected by inclusions of costs associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or multiple births.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that cost per live birth from IVF increases with maternal age and treatment programme number and indicates that maternal age has the much greater effect. This evidence may help decisionmakers target the use of IVF services conditional on societal willingness to pay for live births and equity considerations.

Keywords: cost; cost-effectiveness; assisted reproduction; in-vitro fertilization; economic

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dep418

Publication date: 2010-04-05

More about this publication?

Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of in-vitro fertilization by maternal age and number of treatment attempts

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