ABSTRACT
Genetic factors are the most common causes of spontaneous abortion. From 50% to 80% of first trimester abortions show numerical chromosomal abnormalities. Other potential genetic causes include single-gene mutations or polygenic factors, almost unexplored in etiology of spontaneous abortions. In this chapter, we shall restrict discussion to the frequency and most common genetic causes of sporadic and recurrent abortions. We will not consider the unequivocal underlying genetic basis of so-called “nongenetic” causes that include heritable and nonheritable thrombophilias.
