[Chromosome analysis in spontaneous abortion using direct preparation of chorionic villi]

Two hundred cases of spontaneous abortions were studied by analysing chromosomes directly from chorionic villi. Abnormal karyotypes were found in 52% of the investigated cases. Among the chromosome abnormalities the most frequent were the trisomies (56.7%) followed by polyploidy (23.1%), monosomy X (15.4%) and structural anomalies (4.8%). The rapid and relatively simple method is suitable for studying the causes of spontaneous abortions, and these information may be helpful also for genetic counselling.