Chromosome polymorphism, significant cause of recurrent pregnancy loss: Study

New Delhi: Redcliffe Labs conducted a study that suggests chromosome polymorphism (CPM) as one of the significant causes of recurrent pregnancy loss. The study, led by Dr Ashish Fauzdar, Head of Clinical Genomics & Cytogenetics, Redcliffe Labs analysed 1,400 individuals comprising 700 couples clinically diagnosed with recurrent pregnancy loss.

The current burden for recurrent pregnancy losses in India is quite high and is around 7.4 per cent, as per available government data. The majority of them have no definitive cause for pregnancy loss even after a complete repeated pregnancy loss workup. Traditionally, chromosome polymorphisms have been considered normal variants without clinical significance. However, the study is the first to find a significantly higher prevalence of chromosome polymorphisms, around 33.7 per cent, in couples experiencing repeated pregnancy loss and infertility. The insight suggests that CPM contributes significantly to recurrent pregnancy losses.

Dr Fauzdar said, "While multiple studies around pregnancy loss have been conducted in the Indian subcontinent, we are the first ones to identify the high prevalence of chromosomal polymorphism in couples with recurrent pregnancy loss. It clearly indicates that CPM plays a more significant role than previously thought. While more research is needed, our findings will enable doctors to counsel patients and undertake timely clinical interventions for couples planning future pregnancies after unexplained repeated pregnancy loss."

The researchers also caution that the results should be interpreted carefully, as further strong evidence is required. Patients should be counselled on a case-by-case basis, and chromosomal polymorphism plays a crucial role in the prognosis and management of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss in the future.