The hypo-osmotic swelling test in recurrent miscarriage.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether there is any association between sperm membrane integrity as determined by the hypo-osmotic swelling test score and unexplained recurrent miscarriage.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center for recurrent miscarriage.


METHODS
Semen samples from 20 male partners of women who had had three or more first trimester miscarriages of unexplained etiology and semen samples from 20 prospective semen donors of unknown fertility potential.


METHODS
Sperm density, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and hypoosmotic swelling test score.


RESULTS
There was no difference in the median sperm density, the mean sperm motility, or the mean sperm morphology between the two groups. However, the recurrent miscarriage group had a significantly lower hypo-osmotic swelling test score than the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The hypo-osmotic swelling test score is significantly lower in samples from men whose partners have had unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions. With the exception of cytogenetic abnormalities in peripheral blood karyotype, this is the first study to identify a male factor component in recurrent miscarriage.
Buckett
W M
WM
Reproductive Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Merseyside, United Kingdom.
Luckas
M J
MJ
Aird
I A
IA
Farquharson
R G
RG
Kingsland
C R
CR
Lewis-Jones
D I
DI
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*