RECURRENT ABORTIONS AND CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES

Chromosome translocations have been found in three families with recurrent abortions. In each case the chromosomes involved in the translocations have been identified by a special staining technique, thus allowing a more precise prognosis to be given. Although parental chromosome anomalies are not a frequent cause of recurrent abortions, they occur more commonly than in the general population and it is useful to examine both parents cytogenetically. If a chromosome anomaly is found, and precisly identified, a more exact prognosis for future pregnancies can be given and antenatal diagnosis may be offered in suitable cases.