[Prevalence of chromosomal alterations in infertile patients studied in a clinic of assisted reproduction].

Background: Chromosomal abnormalities are a frequent cause of infertility. There is not consensus if should be included in the work-up of infertile couple.

Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in our population of infertile couple and support the cytogenetic exam in the initial protocol.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective study of 787 infertile patients divided in five groups, to whom a cytogenetic exam was performed between January 2004 and April 2007.

Results: The prevalence of general chromosomal abnormalities was 12.5% (98/787). We found a 14.8% (34/229) with severe male factor, 14.3% (2/14) with premature ovarian failure, 12.3% (20/162) with recurrent pregnancy loss, 8% (9/112) idiopathic infertility and 12.2% (33/270) associated with other causes. The major alterations correspond to trisomies, translocations, and 9 chromosome markers.

Conclusions: The results of this study are consistent with those reported in the literature which are associated with a greater prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in infertile couples compared with the general population, this findings show the importance of consider the cytogenetic study in the initial diagnosis protocol of infertile couple.