Response from the authors re: Letter to the Editor for our manuscript “The cost of a euploid embryo identified from preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): a counseling tool”

Abstract Study question Does blastocyst cohort size impact aneuploidy rates, evaluated by next generation sequencing (NGS)? Summary answer Embryo aneuploidy rates were independent of blastocyst cohort size across all patient ages. What is known already The effects of ovarian response on oocyte and embryo quality remain controversial. Several studies have proposed that a high response to ovarian stimulation may negatively impact oocyte competence. Alternatively, irrespective of maternal age, a poor ovarian response may potentially compromise embryo quality. Using blastocyst cohort size as an indirect measure of ovarian response, previous studies applying array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) have demonstrated that the number of embryos available for biopsy does not impact embryo aneuploidy rates. Nevertheless, these findings remain to be confirmed in a comprehensive cohort, using current approaches for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Study design, size, duration Retrospective, international, cohort study of 3998 patients from 16 clinics undergoing PGT-A from 2016–2020. We evaluated 11665 blastocysts, tested using trophectoderm (TE) biopsy and next generation sequencing (NGS). To eliminate bias of multiple treatments, we considered only the first PGT-A cycle for all patients. Both autologous and donation cycles were included in the analysis. Cycles were excluded if they utilised preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) or preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR). Participants/materials, setting, methods We evaluated aneuploidy and mosaicism rates, as well as the proportion of patients who had at least one euploid embryo suitable for transfer. Findings were stratified according to SART-defined maternal age groups, <35 (n = 698/2622 patients/blastocysts), 35–37 (n = 988/3141 patients/blastoycsts), 38–40 (n = 1447/3939 patients/blastocysts), 41–42 (653/1562 patients/blastocysts) and >42 (212/401 patients/blastocysts) and blastoycst cohort size (1–2, 3–5, 6–9 and 10 or more biopsied blastocysts). Main results and the role of chance The mean maternal age was 37.0±3.7. The overall embryo aneuploidy rate was 50.6% (5904/11665), while mosaicism was established in 4.0% (469/11665) of blastocysts. As expected, the proportion of aneuploid embryos increased steadily with advancing maternal age (31.8%, 41.5%, 58.4%, 71.2%, 87.8%; p < 0.0001), while mosaicism rates did not vary significantly (p = 0.2). Within each age group, we observed no association between the number of blastocysts biopsied and aneuploidy or mosaicism rates. However, as previously suggested, the chance of having at least one euploid embryo increased linearly with the number of embryos biopsied. We observed that young patients (<35) with 1–2 blastocysts had a 70.4% of having at least one embryo suitable for transfer, which increased to 96.4% and 99.2% with 3–5 and 6–9 blastocysts, respectively. Similar trends were observed in the 36–38 and 39–40 age groups. Patients in the 40–41 age group had a significantly lower chance of having a suitable embryo for transfer. Nevertheless, the chance increased from 27.2% with 1–2 embryos to 61.2% with 3–5 blastocysts. Patients with >10 embryos had at least one euploid embryo in 100% of cases, across all ages. Albeit, the numbers of patients within this category was low, and decreased significantly with advancing maternal age. Limitations, reasons for caution While blastocyst cohort size is considered to be an indirect measure of ovarian reserve, the number of oocytes retrieved was not evaluated. Our study only included the first PGT-A cycle for all patients. Subsequent, alterations in stimulation protocols may have resulted in an improved response in some patients. Wider implications of the findings: The comprehensive nature of the study, based on current PGT-A approaches and a large number of cycles across 16 centres increases clinical confidence in the notion that ovarian response is independent of embryo aneuploidy. Importantly, our findings may serve as a valuable clinical resource to guide patient counselling strategies. Trial registration number NA

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The cost-effectiveness of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): an analysis of 153,865 SART cycles

Fertility and Sterility ◽

10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.07.1359 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 112 (3) ◽

pp. e234

Author(s):

Malinda S. Lee ◽

Katherine T. Lofgren ◽

Ann M. Thomas ◽

Andrea Lanes ◽

Randi H. Goldman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Preimplantation Genetic Testing ◽

The Cost

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Cost effectiveness of in vitro fertilisation and preimplantation genetic testing to prevent transmission of BRCA1/2 mutations

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/dez203 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 434-445 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Joseph H Lipton ◽

Mahdi Zargar ◽

Ellen Warner ◽

Ellen E Greenblatt ◽

Esther Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Brca Mutation ◽

Brca2 Mutation ◽

Cost Effective ◽

In Vitro Fertilisation ◽

Brca1 And Brca2 ◽

Preimplantation Genetic Testing ◽

The Cost

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is it cost-effective to use in vitro fertilisation and preimplantation genetic testing of monogenic defects (IVT/PGT-M) to prevent transmission of BRCA1/2 mutations to second-generation new births in comparison with naturally conceived births? SUMMARY ANSWER In this cost-effectiveness analysis, we found that IVF/PGT-M is cost-effective for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers if using a willingness to pay of $50 000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a significantly increased risk of several types of cancer throughout their lifetime. The cost of risk reduction, screening and treatment of cancer in this population is high. In addition, there is a 50% chance of passing on this genetic mutation to each child. One option to avoid transmission of an inherited deleterious gene to one’s offspring involves in vitro fertilisation with preimplantation genetic testing. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We implemented a state transition model comparing the healthcare impact of a cohort of healthy children born after IVF/PGT-M, who have a population risk of developing cancer, to a cohort of naturally conceived live-births, half of whom are carriers of the BRCA mutation. Transition probabilities are based on published sources, a lifetime horizon and a perspective of a provincial Ministry of Health in Canada. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The target population is the second-generation new births who have at least one parent with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000 per QALY, IVF/PGT-M is a cost-effective intervention for carriers of either BRCA mutation. For BRCA1, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for IVF/PGT-M is $14 242/QALY. For BRCA2, the ICER of intervention is $12 893/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis results show that IVF/PGT-M has a 98.4 and 97.3% chance of being cost-effective for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, respectively, at the $50 000/QALY threshold. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our model did not include the short-term negative effect of IVF/PGT-M on the woman’s quality of life; in addition, our model did not consider any ethical issues related to post-implantation genetic testing. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS In countries in which the healthcare of a large segment of the population is covered by a single payer system such as the government, it would be cost-effective for that payer to cover the cost of IVF/PGT-M for couples in which one member has a BRCA mutation, in order to avoid the future costs and disutility of managing offspring with an inherited BRCA mutation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Dr Wong’s research program was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Liver Foundation and an Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science Early Researcher Award. All authors declared no conflict of interests.

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Mathematics should clarify, not obfuscate: an inaccurate and misleading calculation of the cost-effectiveness of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy

Fertility and Sterility ◽

10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.04.008 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 111 (6) ◽

pp. 1113-1114 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Richard J. Paulson

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Preimplantation Genetic Testing ◽

The Cost

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes11080871 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 871 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Martine De Rycke ◽

Veerle Berckmoes

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Whole Genome Amplification ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Snp Array ◽

Genetic Data ◽

Monogenic Disorder ◽

Preimplantation Genetic Testing ◽

Monogenic Disorders ◽

The Cost ◽

Concurrent Analysis

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has evolved into a well-established alternative to invasive prenatal diagnosis, even though genetic testing of single or few cells is quite challenging. PGT-M is in theory available for any monogenic disorder for which the disease-causing locus has been unequivocally identified. In practice, the list of indications for which PGT is allowed may vary substantially from country to country, depending on PGT regulation. Technically, the switch from multiplex PCR to robust generic workflows with whole genome amplification followed by SNP array or NGS represents a major improvement of the last decade: the waiting time for the couples has been substantially reduced since the customized preclinical workup can be omitted and the workload for the laboratories has decreased. Another evolution is that the generic methods now allow for concurrent analysis of PGT-M and PGT-A. As innovative algorithms are being developed and the cost of sequencing continues to decline, the field of PGT moves forward to a sequencing-based, all-in-one solution for PGT-M, PGT-SR, and PGT-A. This will generate a vast amount of complex genetic data entailing new challenges for genetic counseling. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art for PGT-M and reflect on its future.

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The price of a euploid embryo identified from preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): A cost analysis

10.26226/morressier.5912d9eed462b8029238643f ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Randi Goldman

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Cost Analysis ◽

Preimplantation Genetic Testing ◽

Euploid Embryo

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The impact of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy on prenatal screening

Journal of Perinatal Medicine ◽

10.1515/jpm-2021-0495 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Moti Gulersen ◽

Alexandra Peyser ◽

Jiyoung Kim ◽

Amanda Ferraro ◽

Randi Goldman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Prenatal Screening ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

Second Trimester ◽

Preimplantation Genetic Testing ◽

Prenatal Diagnostic ◽

Second Trimester Screening ◽

The Impact ◽

Prenatal Diagnostic Testing ◽

Euploid Embryo

Abstract Objectives To determine whether preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is associated with a reduced risk of abnormal conventional prenatal screening results in singleton pregnancies conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton IVF pregnancies conceived from a single tertiary care center between January 2014 and September 2019. Exclusion criteria included mosaic embryo transfers, vanishing twin pregnancies, and cycles with missing outcome data. Two cases of prenatally diagnosed aneuploidy that resulted in early voluntary terminations were also excluded. The primary outcome of abnormal first or second-trimester combined screening results was compared between two groups: pregnancy conceived after transfer of a euploid embryo by PGT-A vs. transfer of an untested embryo. Multivariable backwards-stepwise logistic regression with Firth method was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results Of the 419 pregnancies included, 208 (49.6%) were conceived after transfer of a euploid embryo by PGT-A, and 211 (50.4%) were conceived after transfer of an untested embryo. PGT-A was not associated with a lower likelihood of abnormal first-trimester (adjusted OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.82–3.39) or second-trimester screening results (adjusted OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.56–1.64). The incidences of cell-free DNA testing, fetal sonographic abnormalities, genetic counseling, and invasive prenatal diagnostic testing were similar between the two groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that PGT-A is not associated with a change in the likelihood of abnormal prenatal screening results or utilization of invasive prenatal diagnostic testing. Counseling this patient population regarding the importance of prenatal screening and prenatal diagnostic testing, where appropriate, remains essential.

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O-201 Prenatal and postnatal outcome of mosaic embryo transfers: multicentric study of one thousand mosaic embryos diagnosed by preimplantation genetic testing with trophectoderm biopsy

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab128.012 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

F Spinella ◽

A Victor ◽

F Barnes ◽

C Zouves ◽

A Besser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Prenatal Testing ◽

Chromosomal Mosaicism ◽

Average Weight ◽

Preimplantation Genetic Testing ◽

Multicentric Study ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Mosaic Embryo ◽

Postnatal Outcome ◽

Euploid Embryo

Abstract Study question To explore the effect of chromosomal mosaicism detected in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) on prenatal and postnatal outcome of mosaic embryo pregnancies Summary answer No significant difference between euploid and mosaic embryos was observed in terms of weeks of gestation, average weight, and developmental defect of the babies born What is known already Mosaic embryos have the potential to implant and develop into healthy babies. Transfer of these embryos is now offered as an option for women who undergo IVF resulting in no euploid embryos. While, prenatal diagnosis has shown the depletion of chromosomal mosaicism in mosaic embryos, several concerns remain. For instance, the direct effects of different kind of mosaicism on prenatal/postnatal outcome and the possibility that intra-biopsy mosaicism in the TE is a poor predictor of the ploidy status of the ICM. Thus, there is certainly a need for comprehensive analyses of obstetrical and neonatal outcome data of transferred mosaic embryos. Study design, size, duration Compiled analysis from multicenter data on transfers of mosaic embryos (n = 1,000) and their outcome, with comparison to a euploid control group (n = 5,561). To explore the effect of embryonic mosaicism on newborns, we matched mosaic embryos resulting in a birth with a euploid embryo by a series of parameters (maternal age, embryo morphology, and indication for PGT-A). Prenatal tests and birth characteristics of > 200 neonates from mosaic embryo transfers were compared to > 200 euploid embryos. Participants/materials, setting, methods PGT-A was performed on blastocyst-stage embryos with 24-Chromosome whole genome amplification (WGA)-based Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). In accordance with established guidelines, embryos were categorized as mosaic when PGT-A results indicated 20-80% aneuploid content. Prenatal testing where performed in 30% of pregnancies with amniocentesis, 4% did an extra analysis for potential UPD for the suspected mosaic chromosome, and an additional 16% performed chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and 9.5% performed noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Main results and the role of chance Of the 465 mosaic embryos that implanted, about 20% miscarried, and out of those, 75% were early spontaneous abortions. Of the pregnancies, 3 out of 368 were stillborn (2 out of them were twins that were extremely premature at 23 weeks, and the other died during pregnancy from a heart defect). The remaining 99% of those have been born or are late ongoing pregnancies at the time of analysis. Prenatal tests were performed in > 200 pregnancies and the vast majority tested normal. All 5 abnormal cases were amniocentesis tests showing microdeletions or insertions of sizes smaller than the resolution used during PGT-A, so they were unrelated to the mosaicism detected with PGT-A. In fact, in none of the cases did the prenatal test reflect the mosaicism detected at the embryonic stage. Matching each of the 162 mosaic embryos resulting in a birth with a euploid embryo, we found that the length of gestation was similar on average, and so was the average weight of the babies at birth. We also gathered information on the routine physical examination performed on babies at birth, and of those 162 babies from mosaic embryo transfers, none had obvious developmental defects or gross abnormalities. Limitations, reasons for caution Even though newborns resulting from mosaic embryo transfers in this study invariably appeared healthy by routine examination, concerns for long-term health cannot yet be entirely dispelled. The question must therefore be carefully considered by each clinic and patient situation. Wider implications of the findings Prenatal testing of > 200 pregnancies from mosaic embryo transfers showed no incidence of mosaicism that matched the PGT-A findings, indicating the involvement of self-corrective mechanisms. Pregnancy and obstetric data indicates that mosaic embryos prevailing through gestation and birth have similar chromosomal and physiological health compared to euploid embryos. Trial registration number none

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