Cytogenetic Study of Spontaneous Abortions in the Western part of Romania

Regarding the rate of chromosomal abnormalities in spontaneous abortions, the data varies between 50 and 80% for first trimester miscarriages but there are several factors that may influence the rate of chromosomal aberrations as the selection bias of the cases for which cytogenetic analysis is done, the gestational age distribution, the maternal age distribution, the tissue samples analyzed, the expertise in cytogenetic methods. The aim of the research is to establish the incidence of chromosomal aberration in our study lot for the patients from the Western part of Romania, as there are no studies available for this specific population. In the present study, patients were included with pregnancy loss between 4 to 14 weeks of gestation for whom cytogenetic evaluation of the fetus was done in the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara. Of all results, 48.57% (34 out of 70) aborted fetuses had an abnormal karyotype. The gestational age of the aborted fetuses varied between 5 and 14 weeks of gestation, with a mean of 8.95 weeks of gestation. A higher incidence of chromosomal anomalies was observed in the group including patients 35 years as compared with the group patients aged under 35 years old (55.5% vs 45.5%). The results of cytogenetic analysis of first trimester miscarriage is an important tool that can enhance diagnostic evaluation, and represent a critical information for counselling infertile couples. Post-miscarriage genetic and psychological counselling and appropriate treatment are crucial for the prevention of high psychological distress, psychiatric symptoms and psychopathology in these patients.