[Value of chromosome tests in genetic counseling of infertile couples]

A cytogenetic analysis of more than 7000 subjects has been performed in the aetiological screening of infertile couples. This study revealed that infertile couples can be divided into three groups: those with one or more spontaneous abortions before 13 weeks of gestations, those with primary sterility (no gestation for at least 24 months) or those with secondary sterility (after one or more children, no further gestation for at least 24 months). The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities observed in this population is 2,9%, i.e. 1/17 couple. The results, according to sex of subjects bearing the chromosomal abnormality, were then analysed in each of the three groups. From this study, the authors insist on the advantage of systematically performing a chromosome analysis in the case of infertile couples for two main reasons: frequency of chromosomal abnormalities is relatively high in this population, detection of such abnormalities enables some couple to be rapidly directed to other solutions (Artificial Insemination), and others, due to prenatal chromosomal diagnosis, to have offspring in safety.