BMC Women's Health (Sep 2012)

The OPTIMIST study: optimisation of cost effectiveness through individualised FSH stimulation dosages for IVF treatment. A randomised controlled trial

  • van Tilborg Theodora C,
  • Eijkemans Marinus JC,
  • Laven Joop SE,
  • Koks Carolien AM,
  • de Bruin Jan,
  • Scheffer Gabrielle J,
  • van Golde Ron JT,
  • Fleischer Kathrin,
  • Hoek Annemieke,
  • Nap Annemiek W,
  • Kuchenbecker Walter KH,
  • Manger Petra A,
  • Brinkhuis Egbert A,
  • van Heusden Arne M,
  • Sluijmer Alexander V,
  • Verhoeff Arie,
  • van Hooff Marcel HA,
  • Friederich Jaap,
  • Smeenk Jesper MJ,
  • Kwee Janet,
  • Verhoeve Harold R,
  • Lambalk Cornelis B,
  • Helmerhorst Frans M,
  • van der Veen Fulco,
  • Mol Ben Willem J,
  • Torrance Helen L,
  • Broekmans Frank JM

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-12-29
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1
p. 29

Abstract

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Abstract Background Costs of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are high, which is partly due to the use of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is usually administered in a standard dose. However, due to differences in ovarian reserve between women, ovarian response also differs with potential negative consequences on pregnancy rates. A Markov decision-analytic model showed that FSH dose individualisation according to ovarian reserve is likely to be cost-effective in women who are eligible for IVF. However, this has never been confirmed in a large randomised controlled trial (RCT). The aim of the present study is to assess whether an individualised FSH dose regime based on an ovarian reserve test (ORT) is more cost-effective than a standard dose regime. Methods/Design Multicentre RCT in subfertile women indicated for a first IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle, who are aged Discussion The results of this study will be integrated into a decision model that compares cost-effectiveness of the three dose-adjustment strategies to a standard dose strategy. The study outcomes will provide scientific foundation for national and international guidelines. Trial registration NTR2657

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