The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in
vitro fertilisation (IVF) is increasing, with the number of
multiple births resulting from ART decreasing, according to a
report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare (AIHW).
Professor Peter Illingworth, President of the Fertility Society
of Australia said 'The fall in multiple deliveries is largely due
to the increase in the proportion of single embryo transfer (SET)
cycles, which increased from 32% in 2003 to almost 64% in 2007.
'Importantly, this substantial decrease in multiple deliveries
has been achieved while clinical pregnancy rates have remained
stable (since 2002) at around 22% per cycle,' according to
Associate Professor Elizabeth Sullivan of the Institute's National
Perinatal Statistics Unit.
'Just over 17% resulted in the birth of at least one liveborn
baby. This rate has also remained unchanged since 2002,' she
said.
According to the report, Assisted reproductive technology in
Australia and New Zealand 2007, there were 56,817 treatment
cycles in Australia and New Zealand in 2007; an increase of nearly
13% since 2006 and of almost 54% since 2003.
In total, 10,856 liveborn babies were born following ART
treatment in 2007.
The multiple delivery rate fell to 10% in 2007, down from 12% in
2006, and 19% in 2003.
'The decline in multiple births corresponds with an improvement
in overall pregnancy and baby outcomes because multiple births
increase the health risk for both mothers and babies,' Associate
Professor Sullivan said.
Professor Illingworth said, 'The voluntary reduction in the
number of embryos transferred during ART treatment has
substantially reduced the incidence of multiple gestation
pregnancies over the past five years, without compromising
pregnancy rates.'
Australia and New Zealand have one of the highest rates of
single embryo transfer in the world.
Thursday 24 September 2009
Further information: Associate Professor
Elizabeth Sullivan, AIHW mob 0439 994 820 or Associate Professor
Peter Illingworth, mob 0418 615 344
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. (02) 6244 1032.
Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New
Zealand 2007.
Report
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