Increased frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in female partners of couples undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Objective: To determine the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in fema le partners of couples undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection ( ICSI). Design: Prospective study. Setting: Leuven University Fertility Center. Patient(s): Female candidates for IVF or ICSI. Intervention(s): An initial cytogenetic study was performed on peripheral b lood lymphocyte cultures using G- and R-banding. In all patients, greater t han or equal to 25 metaphases were examined. If a chromosomal aberration wa s detected, additional cytogenetic studies were performed for precise ident ification. Main Outcome Measure(s): Abnormal female karyotypes in comparison with the general female population Result(s): Cytogenetic analysis was performed in 263 female partners of cou ples before entering an IVF or ICSI program. The prevalence of autosomal re ciprocal balanced translocations was seven times higher in the study group (1.14%) than in the general population (0.16%). All abnormal karyotypes wer e found in the IVF roup with male factor infertility. Conclusion(s): Chromosomal abnormalities are more frequent in the female pa rtners of couples seeking fertility treatment. We recommend chromosomal ana lysis in women before starting IVF or ICSI treatment, even in the presence of male factor infertility. (Fertil Steril(R) 2000;74.94-6. (C) 2000 by Ame rican Society for Reproductive Medicine).