Chromosome anomalies as predictors of recurrence risk for spontaneous abortion.

Reproductive histories and chromosomes of spontaneous abortions were studied by segregation analysis in 1890 sibships ascertained through a cytogenetically studied abortion. Normal karyotypes are associated with recurrent abortion. Among abnormal karyotypes, trisomy has an elevated recurrence risk even after adjustment through a liability indicator for maternal age. Possible mechanisms and conflicting evidence in the literature on trisomy are discussed. None of these differences in recurrence risk is large enough to play a significant numerical role in genetic counseling.