Inherited 13/14 Chromosome Translocation as a Cause of Human Fetal Wastage

Although many early spontaneous human abortions are associated with a chromosome anomaly, few have been found with a chromosome translocation. However, study of one family with an inherited 13/14 translocation and review of reported cases of recurrent abortions suggest that such translocations may be an important cause of fetal wastage in some families. Cytogenetic reasons for this are considered. Gene linkage studies in the present family are compatible with possible localization of the rhesus locus to the translocated chromosome.