Two cycles with single embryo transfer versus one cycle with double embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial

TLDR

The study aimed to reduce multiple pregnancies after IVF by comparing the effectiveness and cost‑effectiveness of two cycles of single embryo transfer (SET) versus one cycle of double embryo transfer (DET). A randomized controlled trial enrolled 107 women under 35 in their first IVF cycle, randomizing them to SET (n = 54) or DET (n = 53) using computer‑generated block randomization stratified by infertility type. Cumulative live‑birth rates were similar (41 % vs 36 %) but multiple pregnancies occurred only in the DET group (37 % vs 0 %), and the total medical costs per live birth were comparable, with SET saving over $7,000 per birth when lifetime severe‑handicap costs are included, leading the authors to recommend SET alone.

Abstract

With the aim of reducing the number of multiple pregnancies after IVF we investigated the effectiveness of two cycles with single embryo transfer (SET) and one cycle with double embryo transfer (DET) after IVF and calculated the cost-effectiveness of both strategies.A randomized controlled trial was performed in 107 women, aged <35 years, in their first IVF cycle, with at least one good quality embryo. They were randomized to the SET (n = 54) or DET (n = 53) group using a computer-generated random block number table, stratified for primary or secondary infertility.The cumulative live birth rates per woman randomized of two consecutive cycles of SET [41%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 27-54] versus one cycle of DET (36%; 95% CI 23-49) were comparable, whereas the multiple pregnancy rate was significantly higher: 37% (95% CI 15-59) in the DET and 0% in the in the SET group (P = 0.002). Combining the medical costs of the IVF treatments (where 1.5 more SET cycles were required to achieve each live birth) and of pregnancies up to 6 weeks after delivery, the total medical costs of DET per live birth were 13,680 and 13,438 for SET.Two cycles with SET were equally effective as one cycle with DET, and the medical costs per live birth up to 6 weeks after delivery were the same. However, if lifetime costs for severe handicaps are included, more than 7000 per live birth will be saved after implementing SET. Because of the high probability of multiple pregnancies in this group of IVF patients, only SET should be performed.