JBRA Assist. Reprod. 2025;29(Suppl 1):66-66
POSTER PRESENTATION
doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20250118
1Centro de Esterilidad Montevideo
Objective: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is performed to identify genetic abnormalities in embryos created through assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Currently, there are three standardized types of analyses: PGT for monogenic diseases (PGT-M), structural rearrangements (PGT-SR), and aneuploidies (PGT-A). At Centro de Esterilidad Montevideo, PGT has been available since 2016, with trained embryologists and the necessary laboratory technology for its implementation. As this technique proved to be safe for embryos while improving pregnancy rates per transfer, demand started to rise among patients. However, it is an expensive technique, which means that only the wealthiest population in terms of income can access to it. In August 2024, financial coverage for this technology was incorporated into the regulations of the Fondo Nacional de Recursos (FNR) through a co-payment system. This study aims to evaluate the growth of the application this technique in our laboratory from January 2016 to March 2025 and to analyze if there is a trend in its use since the introduction of financial coverage.
Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted at a single center, which included IVF/ICSI-PGT cycles. The data used for analysis was obtained from medical records and laboratory logs of the IVF laboratory at Centro de Esterilidad Montevideo, during the period from 2016 to 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software, version 8. To assess the sustained increase in PGT cycles over time, a linear regression was performed. Results were considered statistically significant when the p-value was less than 0.05.
Results: Since its implementation, the proportion of the patients that pursued PGT has significantly increased (p<0.001), being PGT-A the most widely performed test. Between 2016 and 2024, a sustained increase in its use was observed, especially between 2019 and 2021. Regarding financial coverage through the FNR, the comparison between self paid and cycles founded by the FNR did not show significant results due to the recent inclusion of this financial coverage (p>0.005). However, the fact that patients will have access to this technique is particularly important specially, for the population with lower income, as for this group of patients, IVF/ICSI + PGT treatment has 100% of financial coverage.
Conclusion: Preimplantation genetic testing is a well-established technique growing in demand worldwide. It has been extensively proven that it allows to improve embryo selection before transfer. Thereby, reducing the time needed to achieve pregnancy by avoiding transferring embryos with genetic abnormalities. We believe this technique should be available to those that could benefit from it, regardless of the cost. Also, we are unaware of any public funding for its application in other countries in the region. Financial coverage for PGT places Uruguay as a leading country in terms of public policies that enable all its citizens to access the latest technology in assisted reproduction.