$Unique_ID{BRK00592}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Information About "Potter's Syndrome"}
$Subject{newborn kidneys kidney deformity pregnancy childbirth Potter's facial
renal dysplasia congenital malformation neonatologist deformities newborns}
$Volume{K-16}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Information About "Potter's Syndrome"


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QUESTION:  Our grandson was born recently at 26 weeks; he lived three hours.
The neonatal doctor diagnosed his problem as "Potter's Syndrome".  We would
appreciate any information you might share with us.  Our daughter has a
healthy 3 1/2 year old, and had a normal pregnancy with her.  Thank you so
much.

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ANSWER:  When such tragedy strikes a family, it is easy to understand the
search for more answers and information.  Potter's Syndrome has a number of
other names, including facial-renal dysplasia, which describes the problem
quite concisely.  In addition to failure to develop several components that
make up the face, nose and jaw, these babies do not develop kidneys, and so
have no chance for survival.  Although they may be born alive, their life span
is usually measured in hours.  The syndrome is classified as a congenital
malformation, and there are no abnormalities present in the chromosome makeup
or number.  Thus this is not an inherited disease, and the chances of it
happening again are almost infinitesimal.  The condition was first described
by Dr. E.L. Potter in an article in the Journal of Pediatrics in 1946.  The
fact that your daughter has one normal child, and had a normal pregnancy, is
an indication that future pregnancy would most likely be normal, and that this
syndrome would not occur again.  There are few explanations as to the "why" of
such congenital malformations, but it is clear that there was nothing that
could have been done to save the life of this child.  I hope that both you and
your daughter will find the reassurances you must be seeking in this answer,
but suggest a conference with your neonatologist to cover any other points I
may have missed that may still be causing you anguish.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.