Chromosomal Abnormalities as a Cause of Recurrent Abortions in Iraq

Abstract

To evaluate the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in Iraqi couples who experience recurrent abortion and identify additional factors that may be predictive of abortion, such as parental age and unfavorable obstetric or abnormal semen analysis. The present study examined 70 couples with at least two pregnancy losses were referred to the Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetics Research. All subjects provided a detailed personal medical history and ancestral history and underwent a physical examination. Among the 70 couples tested, Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 16 (11.42%) of 70 couples, seven males (4.99%) and nine females (6.42%). Fifteen of chromosomal abnormalities were structural and one of them was numerical. These abnormalities included four balanced reciprocal translocations, one Robertsonian translocation, one case of trisomy X-chromosome and the other cases have a different chromosomal aberration inversion, deletion and derivative. Our results showed that 11.42% of couples with recurrent abortion had chromosomal abnormalities, with no other abnormalities. Couples who experience ≥2 pregnancy losses of unknown origin should undergo a cytogenetic analysis, and findings showing a chromosomal abnormality in either parent must be followed by genetic counseling.

Keywords: Recurrent abortion, Chromosomal abnormality, Balanced carrier.