Cytogenetic survey of 1,007 infertile males

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a chromosome abnormality on male infertility. The subjects consisted of 1,007 males with the chief complaint of infertility. Karyotyping was conducted mainly by G banding. Major chromosome abnormalities were observed in 62 patients (6.2%) in total and consisted of sex chromosome abnormalities were observed in 62 patients (6.2%) in total and consisted of sex chromosome abnormalities in 38 patients (3.8%) and autosomal chromosome abnormalities in 24 (2.4%). Among the patients with sex chromosome abnormalities, 28 cases were 47, XXY, 3 were 47,XYY, and 7 cases had a Y chromosome abnormality. Autosomal chromosome abnormalities comprised 10 cases of reciprocal translocation, 8 cases of Robertsonian translocation, 5 cases of inversion, and 1 case of ring chromosome. In patients with a sperm density < 5 x 10(6)/ml, a total motile sperm count < 1 x 10(6), a follicle-stimulating hormone value > or = 30.1 mIU/ml, a luteinizing hormone value > or = 8.9 mIU/ml, a testosterone value < or = 2.69 ng/ml, or an average testis volume < or = 8 ml, the incidence of major chromosome abnormalities was significantly higher. These findings suggest that patients who need microinsemination should undergo chromosome analysis. We should counsel patients about obtaining adequate information on each chromosome abnormality.