Objective: To verify the hypothesis that the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities significantly increases in the products of conception of males with sub-fertility, treated with assisted reproduction techniques (ART).
Study design: All removed products of conception tissues were analyzed with standard cytogenetic techniques. A karyotype of the abortions was possible in 35 cases of IVF and 29 of ICSI.
Results: 15/35 (43%) IVF abortions and 14/29 (48%) ICSI abortions, respectively, have shown a chromosomal abnormality. The most frequent abnormality was monosomy X (45,X0).
Conclusion: No significant difference in the incidence of embryonic anomalies was found between IVF and ICSI group. However, both IVF and ICSI allow pre-implantation diagnosis and embryo chromosomal evaluation should be considered, before transfer. Genetic counselling and consideration of prenatal diagnosis is suggested as integral part of planning of treatment strategies for 'at risk couples'.