Reciprocol Balanced Translocation (11;22)

My husband and I have been trying to have children for about3 years.  We have, so far, had 2 miscarriages.  After having the last miscarriage (November 27th, 07) my insurance company agreed to pay for us to have testing done.  The tests came back stating that I tested inconclusive on two forms of blood clotting tests (not real clear on this one) and, the devistating part, my husband has a riciprocal balanced translocation between chromosomes 11 and 22.  All of the research that I have found on this states that we are not likely to have a healthy baby, if we get to have one at all.  The report from the lab stated that we had a very significant chance of having a child with abnormalities.  I was hoping that you could enlighten us on this problem.  I am unsure to what are chances truely are.  Do we have any options (of us having our own child)?  The exact diagnosis:  4,XY,t(11;22)(q23;q11.2)  abnormal male kartotype.  It states the breadpoints are at band 11q3 and 22q11.2.  I am not real clear as to what all of this means however if you can enlighten us in any way we would be very greatful.

[Lisa Kessler, MS, CGC]

I am very sorry to hear about your losses.  Recurrent miscarriage can be very difficult emotionally and physically.  About 5% of couples experiencing recurrent miscarriage are found to have a translocation.  It sounds like you would benefit from an appointment with a genetic counselor to carefully review and interpret yours and your husband’s test results.  Having a reciprocal balanced translocation increases the chance for miscarriage and for having a child with problems, but there is still a chance for you and your husband to have a healthy child.  

There are several different conditions that can increase the risk of blood clots and increase the chance to have a miscarriage.  Some of these conditions are inherited and some are acquired.  It is important to bring the reports from these tests with you to a genetic counselor, so that they can be accurately interpreted.  You and your husband have options to consider moving forward, and a genetic counselor can review those with you.  You can find a genetic counselor through the website for the National Society of Genetic Counselors.  I wish you and your husband the best.