Learn About Potter Syndrome

What is the definition of Potter Syndrome?

Potter syndrome and Potter phenotype refers to a group of findings associated with a lack of amniotic fluid and kidney failure in an unborn infant.

What are the alternative names for Potter Syndrome?

Potter phenotype; Potter's syndrome

What are the causes of Potter Syndrome?

In Potter syndrome, the primary problem is kidney failure. The kidneys fail to develop properly as the baby is growing in the womb. The kidneys normally produce the amniotic fluid (as urine) that surrounds the unborn baby.

Potter phenotype refers to a typical facial appearance that occurs in a newborn when there is no amniotic fluid. The lack of amniotic fluid is called oligohydramnios. Without amniotic fluid, the infant is not cushioned from the walls of the uterus. The pressure of the uterine wall leads to an unusual facial appearance, including widely separated eyes.

Potter phenotype may also lead to abnormal limbs, or limbs that are held in abnormal positions or contractures.

Oligohydramnios also stops development of the lungs, so the lungs do not work properly at birth.

What are the symptoms of Potter Syndrome?

Symptoms include:

  • Widely separated eyes with epicanthal folds, broad nasal bridge, low set ears, and receding chin
  • Absence of urine output
  • Difficulty breathing
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What are the current treatments for Potter Syndrome?

Resuscitation at delivery may be attempted pending the diagnosis. Treatment will be provided for any urinary outlet obstruction.

Who are the top Potter Syndrome Local Doctors?

No local doctors have been found near Cherry Hill, The United States. Expand the search radius or change your location here.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Potter Syndrome?

This is a very serious condition. Most of the time it is deadly. The short-term outcome depends on the severity of lung involvement. Long-term outcome depends on the severity of kidney involvement.

How do I prevent Potter Syndrome?

There is no known prevention.

What are the latest Potter Syndrome Clinical Trials?
Amnioinfusion for Fetal Renal Failure

Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if serial amnioinfusions can improve the chances of survival for fetuses with severe kidney problems that cause low amniotic fluid (anhydramnios). Low amniotic fluid can affect lung development and may lead to serious health issues for the fetus. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Can serial amnioinfusion increase the chances of survival...

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Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy (RAFT) Trial

Summary: Early pregnancy renal anhydramnios or EPRA is a condition where a pregnant woman does not have any amniotic fluid around her fetus because of a problem with the fetus's kidneys. This condition is thought to be fatal once the fetus is born because of inadequate lung growth. The Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy (RAFT) Trial offers eligible pregnant women with a diagnosis of EPRA an experimental ther...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: August 05, 2023
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Miyashita Y, Formeck C, Moritz M. Nephrology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 14.

Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuh AM. Congenital and developmental abnormalities of the urinary tract. In: Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuh AM, eds. Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 168.

Mitchell AL. Congenital anomalies. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 30.