Implications of sperm chromosome abnormalities in recurrent miscarriage

Purpose: Our purpose was to assess the existence of sperm chromosome abnorm alities in recurrent pregnancy loss in an assisted reproduction program. Methods: In this prospective study. 12 sperm samples from couples undergoin g in vitro fertilization with two or more first-trimester spontaneous abort ions were analyzed. Diploidy and disomy in decondensed sperm nuclei were as sessed for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y using two- and three-color fluo rescence in situ hybridization. Results: Sex chromosome disomy in sperm samples from recurrent abortion cou ples was significantly increased compared to that from internal controls (0 .84% vs 0.37%). In a subpopulation of seven couples who underwent oocyte do nation, mean frequencies for sex chromosome disomy (1%) were even higher an d diploidy (0.43%) was also significantly increased. Conclusions: These results suggest an implication of sperm chromosome abnor malities in some cases of recurrent pregnancy loss.