Chromosomal Abnormalities in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss at a Tertiary Care Center

Structural and numerical variation in chromosomes in couples leads to recurrent pregnancy loss/abortions, which disrupts the normal embryonic development. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in couples experiencing recurrent abortions.

Thirty couples (N = 60) experiencing one or more abortions were enrolled. Couples experiencing one abortion were also included because of having suspicion of abnormality by the clinician. These couples were categorized as follows: couples with recurrent abortion and couples with recurrent abortion preceded by stillbirth or abnormal child (opted abortion). These cases were investigated by using G-banding karyotyping.

In our study, heteromorphism of chromosome 9 was a ubiquitous finding in couples having recurrent abortions. In affected individuals/couples with chromosomal abnormalities in recurrent abortion cases, the female-to-male ratio was 5:2.

Chromosomal analysis is an important investigation for couples experiencing recurrent abortions. Heteromorphism of chromosome 9 is also an important finding in recurrent abortion. Genetic investigation, including karyotyping, would help in genetic counseling as well as decision-making and exploring further reproductive options.