$Unique_ID{BRK00432}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What is Potter's Syndrome or Disease?}
$Subject{Potter's facial-renal-dysplasia}
$Volume{N-16}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Potter's Syndrome or Disease?


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QUESTION:  Can you explain Potter's Syndrome or Disease?  Our baby was born
with no kidneys and lived only 9 hours and that's what they said he had.  We
really don't understand how this happened as I had a perfect pregnancy up
until two weeks before due date.

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ANSWER:  Dr. E.L. Potter first described this syndrome in 1946, and it is
recognized as a congenital malformation.  It is also called
facial-renal-dysplasia as there are several additional anatomical structures
that make up the face that also fail to develop fully.  Sometimes the lungs,
as well as hands and feet are affected.  There are no chromosomal
abnormalities found in this disease, so it is doubtful that it is inherited.
There are no ways known to treat Potter's Syndrome, no precautions to avoid
this tragic occurrence.  You did nothing wrong, so there must be no guilt, and
as your own physician has probably already counseled you, there is little
chance of this happening again.  As to the "whys", I have no answers to offer
you, for in cases like yours I find that I too, do not understand.

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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.
