Aneuploidy rates in failed pregnancies following assisted reproductive technology

Approximately 10%-15% of clinically recognized pregnancies end with a first trimester loss. Cytogenetic analysis of products of conception (POC) has revealed that a large proportion of these spontaneous miscarriages are a result of chromosomal abnormalities. However, relatively few studies have evaluated chromosomal abnormalities in pregnancies achieved using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Here, we review the incidence and type of chromosomal abnormalities that occurred in our infertility patient population undergoing ART and provide a review of the literature pertaining to this subject.

A retrospective chart review of all patients from our medical center who conceived using ART between January 2000 and January 2008, who experienced a subsequent early pregnancy loss, and whose POCs were successfully karyotyped were included. We also conducted a literature review in PubMed, searching for other articles on this subject.

Two hundred fourteen patients conceived with ART, experienced an early loss, and subsequently underwent a dilation and curettage (D&C) between 2000 and 2008. A total of 59 (27%) patients chose to have cytogenetic testing, and their POCs were successfully karyotyped. The overall rate of aneuploidy in this group was 83%. Our PubMed search revealed a total of 12 studies that were identified and evaluated and deemed appropriate for review.

Consistent with most of the literature, we found a high rate of aneuploidy present in infertile patients conceiving using ART. Because an abnormal karyotype provides an explanation for an early loss, this and other studies seem to suggest that routinely carrying out this assessment in such patients may be of value.