Indications for Chromosome Analysis

Higher Age of Mother
The higher age of mother means more than 35 years. Chromosome analysis in this case, is taken like a part of the prenatal care. Although we can find abnormalities also in children of young mothers,the higher age means higher risk. Nowadays it is discussing the role of the mother, comparing to the father´s influence. Both of them can be a donor of chromosome abnormality, but mother´s germ cells are more vulnerable.

Positive Family Anamnesis
Some kinds of chromosomal abnormality in relative should also be an indication for chromosome analysis. Mainly chromosomal translocation or heritable chromosomal disturbances. Sometimes it can cause a miscarriage too.

Abnormal Findings in Screening
The good reason is for example the intrauterine grown retardation or some abnormalities or malformations in ultrasound.

Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths
In more than 10% of abbortions is connected to some chromosome abnormality. It is important to examine both parents, because of prevention for next pregnancies.

Low Birth Weight
In comparation to other groups of children, have those with chromosome abnormality lower birth weight. Mainly between newborns with trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome).

Health Problems in Newborns
A postnatal chromosome analysis is necessary if we can find some developmental delay, some dysmorphic features, mental retardation or inborn defects.

Fertility Problems
About 5% of all cases of infertility is connected with some chromosome abnormality. We have to think about it, when the miscarriages occured repeatedly. Chromosome abnormalities can be also a reason of disorders of menstruation cycle.

Exposure of Parents
Exposure to radiation is highly risk. It can influence female´s germ cell for years. Especially some of the jobs in the health care are dangerous in this way (employees on radiology). We have to be carefull about exposure to chemical substances.

Related articles

 * Prenatal Diagnosis of Chromosome Abnormalities
 * Autosomal Disorders
 * Genetic Counseling