Is elective single embryo transfer a cost-effective alternative to double embryo transfer?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Health Economics
• In Vitro Fertilisation

Background:

• Elective single embryo transfer (eSET) is gaining traction to reduce twin pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
• Assessing the cost-effectiveness of eSET compared to double embryo transfer (DET) is crucial for policy decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on the cost-effectiveness of eSET versus DET strategies.
• To identify limitations in current economic evaluations of eSET.

Main Methods:

• A literature review was conducted focusing on studies that assessed both costs and consequences of eSET compared to DET.
• Analysis of five identified studies was performed to evaluate their methodologies and findings.

Main Results:

• Only five studies met the criteria for assessing the costs and consequences of eSET versus DET.
• Significant limitations were found across these studies, precluding definitive conclusions on the cost-effectiveness of eSET.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence is insufficient to establish the cost-effectiveness of eSET.
• Future economic evaluations should address limitations by comparing relevant strategies, including all costs, valuing long-term outcomes, and analyzing subgroups.