Reflections on the cost-effectiveness of recombinant FSH in assisted reproduction. The clinician's perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the relative cost-effectiveness of recombinant FSH (rFSH) and urinary FSH (uFSH) in assisted reproduction techniques (ART).


METHODS
Calculation of the average cost-effectiveness ratio and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio to compare costs and effects (pregnancy rates) of the two therapeutic options (rFSH and uFSH).


RESULTS
Assuming that the cost of the procedure per ART cycle is between 100,000 pesetas (601 euro) and 150,000 pesetas (901.52 euro), and pricing the GnRH analogues used for pituitary suppression at 35,000 pesetas (210.3 euro), the cost-effectiveness ratio is better for rFSH than for uFSH, implying that the cost per pregnancy is lower when the recombinant preparation is used.


CONCLUSIONS
In ART, the use of rFSH is more cost-effective than uFSH.
Balasch
J
J
Institut Clínic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine-University of Barcelona, Hospital Clínic-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain. jbalasch@medicina.ub.es
Barri
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PN
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000191:economics*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000191:economics*
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone