[The results of cytogenetic investigations in 107 couples with recurrent spontaneous abortions from Pomerania-Kujawy region of Poland].

About 10-15% of clinically diagnosed pregnancies end by spontaneous abortion. One of the causes of recurrent abortions is the presence of chromosome aberrations in a parent. The paper presents the results of cytogenetic investigations in 107 couples referred to genetic council clinic because of at least 2 spontaneous abortions. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes after standard 72h PHA-stimulated culture. At least 20 GTG- and CBG-banded metaphases were analyzed in each patient. Fluorescence in situ hybridization technique was used as to precisely define cytogenetic results. Chromosome aberrations were found in 7 couples (6.54%), exclusively in women. Numerical aberration (47,XXX) was present in 1 woman, and balanced structural aberrations in 6 (5.61%). In 3 of them balanced translocations were disclosed: t(7; 19)(p13;p13.3), t(8;16)(q24;q22), and t(3;8)(q21;p21), in 2--inversions: inv(2)(p25q31), inv(17)(p12p13.3), and in 1--der(20). Pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 was found in 3 men. The analysis of nongenetic factors showed that neither age, nor congenital anomalies of uterus could be an important factor causing abortions in analyzed couples with aberrations. However, infections and muta- or teratogenic exposure could contribute to loss of pregnancies in some cases. Authors conclude that karyotype analysis should be an integral part of diagnostics in couples with recurrent abortions.