Structural chromosomal abnormalities in couples with recurrent abortion in Egypt

Background/aim: To evaluate the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in couples who experience recurrent abortion and identify additional factors that may be predictive of abortion, such as parental age and unfavorable obstetric or abnormal semen analysis. Materials and methods: The present study examined 125 couples who had experienced recurrent abortion. All subjects provided a detailed personal medical history and ancestral history and underwent a physical examination. Women in the study group underwent biochemical testing and pelvic ultrasound examinations, and men underwent a semen analysis. Results: Among the 125 couples tested, 8 couples (6.4%) displayed a balanced translocation, among which 7 (5.6%) showed a reciprocal translocation and 1 (0.8%) showed a Robertsonian translocation. All carriers of these translocations were aged < 35 years. A significant proportion of carriers reported a poor obstetric history and a past fetal malformation. All male carriers had a normal semen analysis. Conclusion: Couples who experience >= 2 pregnancy losses of unknown origin should undergo a cytogenetic analysis, and findings showing a chromosomal abnormality in either parent must be followed by genetic counseling.