Chromosome polymorphism in 110 couples with reproductive failure and subsequent pregnancy outcome

One hundred ten couples were evaluated for reproductive failure from 1978 to 1981. Cytogenetic findings include a chromosome variant in 13 couples (12%) and a gross structural rearrangement in 6 couples. The Chromosome Polymorphism Group was subdivided into Subgroup I, presenting chromosome variants with additional heterochromatin material, and Subgroup II demonstrating inversion of the pericentromeric heterochromatin: pericentric inversion (9). Six of the seven couples of Subgroup I (85%) achieved a subsequent successful pregnancy, as compared with one of the six couples of Subgroup II (17%). Pericentric inversion (9) may have an adverse effect on reproductive performance. Karyotypes of the abortus material are critical for determination of the causal relationship of chromosome polymorphism and reproductive failure.