Cytogenetic abnormalities detected in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia.

PURPOSE

To find the frequency and types of major chromosomal abnormalities with nonobstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia to give appropriate genetic counseling before assisted reproduction techniques in Isparta (South of Turkey), and to investigate the general characteristics in this infertile male population.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

A total of 115 infertile males (92 were azoospermic, 23 severe oligospermic) were studied for the cytogenetic evaluation prior to use of assisted reproduction techniques. Also, 60 fertile males as a control group were studied. Karyotyping was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes according to the standard methods. Levels of luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and prolactin were obtained and a testicular sonography examination was conducted.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities was found to be 4.3% (5/115), including 4 patients with Klinefelter's Syndrome and 1 patient with gonadal dysgenesis (46XX). All of them were azoospermic males, corresponding to a frequency of 5.4% (5/92 patients). Oligozoospermic males and control males had no chromosomal abnormalities. There was a significant difference in serum FSH, LH, mean testicular volume and smoking when comparing patients (both azoospermic and oligozoospermic) and control groups (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in serum FSH, LH and mean testicular volume when compared with azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities among infertile males strongly suggests the need for routine genetic testing and counseling prior to the employment of assisted reproduction techniques.