This study reviews systematically the effectiveness of management strategies for carriers of a reciprocal translocation involving two chromosomes, ascertained on the basis of recurrent pregnancy loss. Subsequent pregnancy outcomes were tabulated based on whether management was medical or involved in vitro fertilization/preimplantation genetic diagnosis (IVF/PGD). A total of 129 cases from 13 articles met the criteria, of which 89% were managed medically. Before management, the overall live birthrate was 4% (19 of 484 pregnancies). Management was medical in 109 cases and IVF/PGD in 20 cases. Cumulative live birthrate was 74% (81 of 109 cases) in the medical management group and 35% (7 of 20) in the IVF/PGD group. Based on this systematic review, successful pregnancy outcomes are high following either medical management or IVF/PGD for carriers of a reciprocal translocation, ascertained on the basis of recurrent pregnancy loss. But it is difficult to compare outcomes directly for these two strategies because of the different end points reported. Understanding the differences is essential for effective counseling. Until a well-designed study comparing the two strategies is performed, or at least prospective cohort studies with strict entry criteria and definitions, the cumulative experience and success of both medical management and IVF/PGD must be used to counsel patients who are carriers of a reciprocal translocation, ascertained on the basis of recurrent pregnancy loss.
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