Implementation of a High-Resolution Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Array in Analyzing the Products of Conception.

AIMS: To demonstrate the value of a whole-genome high-resolution single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array for the elucidation of genetic causes underlying pregnancy loss.

METHODS: The SNP array combined with SNPs and oligonucleotide probes was used to examine 60 samples of products of conception, including chorionic villi, fetal parts, and fetal blood.

RESULTS: The SNP array yielded a 38.3% (23/60) abnormality rate. In addition to the most common aneuploidy, it detected 16.7% additional aberrations involving copy number variation, triploidy, loss of heterozygosity or low-level mosaicism.

CONCLUSION: This whole-genome high-resolution SNP array not only provides copy number information but also identifies the heterozygosity status, which facilitates the discovery of the novel genetic alterations associated with pregnancy failure and improves the management of subsequent pregnancies.