Cytogenetic aspects of miscarriage

Chromosomal aberrations account for approximately 50% of fetal losses prior to the 15th week of gestation. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in frequencies and distribution of chromosomal aberrations in sporadic and habitual abortions. During a seven year period (2007.-2014.), we have analyzed 380 samples of chorionic villi after missed abortion in the Clinic for gynecology and obstetrics, Clinical center of Serbia. After first misscariage we analyzed 268 samples, and after habitual abortions 112 samples. For statistical analysis, we used ?? test. Karyotype analysis revealed chromosomal aberrations in 22,4% (85/380) of all samples. In the group after first abortion, we found an aberrant karyotype in 15,7% (42/268) of cases. In the group with habitual abortions, chromosomal aberrations were detected in 38,4% (43/112) of cases. Statistical analysis showed significant difference between these two groups, ?2=11,34> ?2(1 I 0,05)=3,841i p<0,05. The distribution of chromosomal aberrations was similar in both groups. Also, in both groups, numerical chromosomal aberrations were the most common. The identification of cytogenetic causes is an important component in miscarriage etiology investigation, and it is recommended in order to improve genetic counseling of an involved couple.

Parasitic infections and pregnancy complications

Infections of various aetiology during pregnancy present a serious risk factor that can lead to abortion, premature birth, stillbirth, birth of newborn with genetic developmental defects, or seemingly healthy infant that may develop symptoms later in life. A total of 530 sera of patients from gynaecology departments were examined for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Toxocara spp. and Listeria monocytogenes using ELISA (IgG, IgM). In women with habitual abortions we determined up to 42.1 % seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii. The prevalence of antibodies was statistically significant (p < 0.0004) when compared to control group (25.1 %). In the patients diagnosed with sterility the prevalence of antibodies (26.3 %) was similar to that of control group. The prevalence of antibodies against Toxocara spp. (5.5 %) and Listeria monocytogenes (2.3 %) in patients with habitual abortions were similar to those of women in the general population.

Chromosomal rearrangements as the cause of habitual abortions

Introduction Habitual abortion is a spontaneous abortion occurring in three or more successive pregnancies with no intervening pregnancies. Chromosomal aberrations account for approximately 50% of fetal losses prior to 15 weeks. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the role of chromosomal rearrangements in etiology of habitual abortions in couples with a normal karyotype. Method We analyzed the karyotype of placental tissue, taken from spontaneously aborted fetuses from couples with normal karyotype and habitual abortions. The women tested were divided into two groups. In the first group, there were 23 women below 35, and in the second, 13 women above 35 years of age. Tissue samples were obtained from the abortions and processed using standard techniques. All specimens were G-banded using trypsin-Giemsa stain. Sixteen metaphase cells were analyzed for their chromosome constitution in each sample. For statistical analysis, we used ?? test. Results From 36 analyzed cases, there were 17 (47.2%) with an abnormal chromosomal constitution and 19 (58.2%) with a normal chromosomal constitution. Trisomy 16 was detected in 4 cases. Among sex chromosomal aberrations, only monosomy X was found in 3 cases. Two cases of triploidy and two cases of trisomy 8, 18 and 21 were detected. Trisomy 12 and trisomy 13 were found in one case each. In group of women under 35 (I group), the percentage of chromosomally abnormal fetuses was 34.8%, while in the group of women above 35 (II group), that percentage was 69.2, but there was no statistically significant difference between groups I and II (??=3.01< ??(1 and 0.05)=3.841). Conclusion Hereditary base defects are a significant cause of spontaneous abortions in early pregnancy. Detection of chromosomal abnormalities provides the opportunity to plan further treatment of reproduction disorders.

A study of alloreactivity in couples with habitual abortions of unknown etiology

During 2003, we investigated 22 couples with three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions without liveborn children. The study group consisted of 9 couples with three or more successive spontaneous abortions without liveborn children and without known endogenous or exogenous causes of habitual abortions. The first control group comprised 9 couples with liveborn children, while the second one included 9 randomly selected couples without children. The Immunologic status was evaluated in regard to functional capacity of lymphocytes, response of T-lymphocytes to disabled histocompatible antigens of partner's lymphocytes, and T-lymphocytes to partner's alloantigens. In women from study and control groups there were no statistically significant differences in general Immunologic status (functional capacity of lymphocytes). In women from the study group, T-lymphocytes response to stimulation by disabled partner's lymphocytes was significantly lower compared to both control groups (P 0.05). However, the immunologic reaction of women from the study group to alloantigens of men from control groups did not show any significant difference compared to contra/ groups results (P > 0,05). According to our study, it can he concluded that imnntnologic factors have an important role in a great proportion of habitual abortions with unknown etiology.