Chromosomal abnormalities in couples with reproductive disorders

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in couples with reproductive disorders. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 939 Mexican couples with reproductive disorders (542 with recurrent fetal loss, 356 with malformed/stillborn children, and 41 with sterility) whose karyotype was established on GTG-banded metaphases. Results: A chromosomal aberration was detected in one partner of 52 couples, including a double translocation carrier; therefore, the prevalence of chromosomally abnormal couples was 5.5%; 31 couples with recurrent fetal loss (31/542, 5.7%), 15 with malformed/stillborn children (15/356, 4.2%), and 6 with sterility (6/41, 14.6%). There were 43 couples with structural rearrangements (29 reciprocal translocations, 10 robertsonian translocations, 2 inversions, 1 insertion, and 1 ring) and 9 with gonosomal aneuploidies. The affected partner was female in 28 (53.8%) and male in 24 (46.2%) couples. In addition, 17 couples (1.8%) with the structural variant inversion 9qh were detected. Conclusion: The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities found in our sample is consistent with figures described in several populations around the world. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG.