Cytogenetic Study of Abortuses with Spontaneous Abortion

Kim, J S; Jung, T B; Park, J E; Kim, J R; Kang, J B; Kim, H B; Jin, H J; Oh, S K

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Chromosomal abnormalities of abortuses have also been used to investigate the most common etiology of spontaneous abortion, but the frequency and the types of spontaneous abortions have also demonstrated considerable variation among in different countries and races.
METHODS
So as to studies of the frequency and type of chromosomal abnormalities of abortuses , a cytogenetic study of 74 abortuses and their aborters was performed from January, 1994 to December, 1997 in Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital.
RESULTS
The frequency of abnormal karyotypes in abortuses was 40.0%[28/70 cases], of autosomal trisomy 42.7% [12/28 cases], of monosomy X 21.4%[6/28 cases], of polyploidy 10.7%[3/28 cases] and of structural anomalies 25.0%[7/28 cases]. The earlier gestational age when the loss occurs, got the higher the likelihood to be chromosomally abnormal. Among trisomies, chromosomes 21[33%], 18[25%] and 16[17%] were prevalent. There was no statistical significance of the frequency of chromosomal abnormality according to maternal age, but trisomy was slightly increased at older age. Structural abnormalities were present in 7 cases; 2 cases were Robertsonian translocation and 5 cases were inversion. The origin of structural abnormalities were classified as De novo in 5 patients, and familial tendency in two. One of the parents of two translocation cases was carriers with abnormal karyotype. Two parents of translocation cases were carriers with abnormal karyotypes.
CONCLUSION
Our findings support that cytogenetic study is worth-while in couples presenting with a history of spontaneous abortion or older age.