A 50% reduction in multiple live birth rate is associated with a 13% cost saving: a real-life retrospective cost analysis

Belgian legislation limiting the number of embryos for transfer has been shown to result in a 50% reduction of the multiple live birth rate [MLBR] per cycle without having a negative impact on the cumulative delivery rate per patient within six cycles or 36 months. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the cost saving associated with a 50% reduction in MLBR. A retrospective cost analysis was performed of 213 couples, who became pregnant and had a live birth after one or more assisted reproductive technology treatment cycles, and their 254 children. The mean cost of a singleton [n = 172] and multiple [n = 41] birth was calculated based on individual hospital invoices. The cost analysis showed a significantly higher total cost [assisted reproductive technology treatment, pregnancy follow-up, delivery, child cost until the age of 2 years] for multiple births [both children: mean epsilon 43,397] than for singleton births [mean: epsilon 17,866] [Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney P < 0.0001]. A 50% reduction in MLBR resulted in a significant cost reduction related to hospital care of 13%. (C) 2017 Reproductive ealthcare Ltd. Published by Elseviertd. All rights reserved.