Chromosome distribution of early miscarriages with present or absent embryos: female predominance

The objective of this study is to compare the chromosomal distribution of early miscarriages with or without embryonic poles.

It was a retrospective study of 223 women who underwent dilation and curettage (D&C) between 1995 and 2013 for early miscarriages. The presence or absence of a fetal pole was evaluated by abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound. Cytogenetic tests of products of conception following culture were determined in both groups.

Of the 223 early miscarriages, 143 had embryos and 80 did not. The abnormality rate differed significantly (61.5 % vs. 46.3 %, p < 0.05), with trisomy 18, 21 and 45X found only in miscarriages with embryos. There were no significant differences between groups in rates of triploidy, tetraploidy, mosaicism, structure and double abnormality. The female abortus rate was higher in miscarriages with or without embryonic poles, as well as in groups with normal and abnormal karyotypes.

Chromosome distribution differs in miscarriages with or without embryonic poles. The ultrasound findings might offer different direction to determine the causes of early miscarriages. The higher female abortus rate may be associated with early selection.