Chromosomal abnormalities in couples with repeated fetal loss: An Indian retrospective study.

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recurrent pregnancy loss is a common occurrence and a matter of concern for couples planning the pregnancy. Chromosomal abnormalities, mainly balanced rearrangements, are common in couples with repeated miscarriages. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the contribution of chromosomal anomalies causing repeated spontaneous miscarriages and provide detailed characterization of a few structurally altered chromosomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cytogenetic study was carried out on 4859 individuals having a history of recurrent miscarriages. The cases were analyzed using G‑banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization wherever necessary. RESULTS: Chromosomal rearrangements were found in 170 individuals (3.5%). Translocations were seen in 72 (42.35%) cases. Of these, reciprocal translocations constituted 42 (24.70%) cases while Robertsonian translocations were detected in 30 (17.64%) cases. 7 (4.11%) cases were mosaic, 8 (4.70%) had small supernumerary marker chromosomes and 1 (0.6%) had an interstitial microdeletion. Nearly, 78 (1.61%) cases with heteromorphic variants were seen of which inversion of Y chromosome (57.70%) and chromosome 9 pericentromeric variants (32.05%) were predominantly involved. CONCLUSIONS: Chromosomal analysis is an important etiological investigation in couples with repeated miscarriages. Characterization of variants/marker chromosome enable calculation of a more precise recurrent risk in a subsequent pregnancy thereby facilitating genetic counseling and deciding further reproductive options.
Description
Keywords
Break points, chromosomal abnormalities, recurrent loss of pregnancy, small supernumerary marker chromosome, translocations
Citation
Sheth Frenny J, Liehr Thomas, Kumari Pritti, Akinde Ralph, Sheth Harsh J, Sheth Jayesh J. Chromosomal abnormalities in couples with repeated fetal loss: An Indian retrospective study. Indian Journal of Human Genetics. 2013 Oct-Dec ;19 (4): 415-422.