Chromosomal variants among 1790 infertile men

Background: The largest cytogenetic survey involving infertile men was unde rtaken to clarify whether chromosomal abnormalities, including autosomal ab normalities, affect semen qualities. Method: All male patients who visited an infertility clinic from 1990 to 19 98 underwent chromosomal and semen analysis. Results: Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 225 of 1790 patients (12.6 %). The most frequent anomaly was Klinefelter syndrome (64 cases). Autosoma l anomalies accounted for 126 cases. 46,XY,1qh(+) was the most common autos omal anomaly (30 cases) and its incidence was significantly higher than tho se of normal controls. The seminograms of these patients varied widely, wit h nine patients having azoospermia and three patients achieving natural pre gnancies. It is not yet clear if this karyotype affects spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Autosomal anomalies as well as sex chromosomal abnormalities mi ght affect spermatogenesis. Cytogenetic study is important before intracyto plasmic sperm injection.