Deonandan R, Campbell MK, Østbye T, Tummon I. Toward a more meaningful in vitro fertilization success rate.
J Assist Reprod Genet 2000;
17:498-503. [PMID:
11155322 PMCID:
PMC3455266 DOI:
10.1023/a:1009489624045]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE
The objective was to explore the variability in in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates.
METHODS
Published success rates from IVF clinics in North America were investigated to establish types of biases and potential inaccuracies.
RESULTS
Success rates reported by IVF clinics vary with regard to the indices and patient populations used to compute them. Selection bias and misunderstood statistics are major factors contributing to the inappropriateness of certain rates.
CONCLUSIONS
The influence of privatization and market forces also may contribute to the need to oversimplify IVF statistics.
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