ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Early fetal losses associated with chromosome abnormalities produce most spontaneous abortions. It is not feasible to conduct cytogenetic studies with tissue culture postmortem because of tissue maceration and autolysis. METHODS: A total of 30 specimens from early fetal losses were karyotyped for chromosomal study. Success rate of the culture method is evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The abnormal karyotype rate was 33.3%. It was found that chorionic villus tissues had a higher culture rate than tests of fetal skin, amnion or amniocyte by early amniocentesis. CONCLUSIONS: Postmortem chorionic villus sampling at the time of diagnosis of early fetal death appears to offer the best, most simple and reliable method for obtaining a cytogenetic result, and also a good method for training residents in the chorionic villus sampling technique.
