Chromosome studies in in-vitro fertilization patients.

Human fertility problems may be due to chromosomal aberrations in one or both partners. In couples asking for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) the question arises as to whether chromosomal analysis is necessary. We analysed the karyotypes of 72 couples attending our clinic for IVF. Normal chromosomes were found in 131 individuals. One male was found to be a carrier of a Robertsonian translocation t(14q;21q), a second male had a reciprocal translocation t(2;4)(q14;p15) and 11 females exhibited sex chromosome mosaicism. A single cell aberration was demonstrated in 26% (38/144) of all individuals studied. These results clearly show that chromosomal analysis should be performed in couples asking for IVF.