Original Title: Præimplantationsdiagnostik - en medicinsk teknologivurdering

Authors' objectives: The overall purpose of this HTA report on preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was to contribute with information and input for decision-making by analysis of the existing litterature on PGD and evaluation of the experience obtained during a two year project period at the Centre for Preimplantation Diagnosis at Aarhus University Hospital, offering PGD to couples with selected hereditary diseases. Another issue was the ethical questions derived from PGD as well as attitudes to PGD among potential consumers of the technique. Furthermore it was decided to analyse the present organisation of PGD in Denmark and in the Nordic countries with an attempt to outline a future organisation of PGD in Denmark. Finally, using a model-based health economic analysis, it was intended to evaluate the economic implications for the public health care system of introducing PGD to couples at risk of offspring with a particular hereditary disease cystic fibrosis.

Authors' recommendations: Technologically, preimplantation diagnosis can be introduced in Denmark, but not without increasing costs for the health care sector. However, these extra costs are moderate, especially when compared with the costs of many new pharmaceuticals. The PGD technique is very much demanded by potential users (families with a risk of having a diseased child), but presumably the method will be employed by a limited group of people only with a risk of having a child with relatively severe disease. From a gradualistic point of view the method is ethically preferable. A minor uncertainty concerning the possible long-term risk associated with PGD does not justify a reservation. Introduction of PGD in the public health care sector can be implemented with relatively moderate extra costs, which has to be balanced against the advantages of the method. Among these are the avoided legal abortions that are expected to have a value also.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2002

URL for published report: https://www.sst.dk/da/Udgivelser/2002/Praeimplantationsdiagnostik---en-medicinsk-teknologivurdering

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Denmark

Organisation Name: Danish Centre for Evaluation and Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: National Board of Health, PO Box 1881, Islands Brygge 67, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark. Tel: 45 72 22 74 48; Fax: 45 72 22 74 07/67

Contact Name: dacehta@sst.dk

Contact Email: dacehta@sst.dk

Copyright: Danish Centre for Evaluation and Health Technology Assessment (DACEHTA) (formerly DIHTA)