What is Bilateral Renal Agenesis? What is Potter's Syndrome?
Bilateral Renal Agenesis literally means both kidneys failed to form. Bilateral (both sides), Renal (kidneys), Agenesis (never began). Potter's Syndrome, a term that is no longer used in medical terminology, is simply the blanket term used to describe serveral kidney abnormalities including: BRA, polycysitc kidney disease, and renal hypoplasia. In 1946, Dr. Edith Potter preformed the first studies on infants born with little to no amniotic fluid surrounding them. Because of this distinction, not all Potter's Syndrome cases are 100 percent fatal. However, the diagnosis of BRA is not compatible with life. This simplest way I have seen the condition described is as follows:
"Most people have two kidneys. Renal agenesis happens when one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) kidneys do not form... People with unilateral renal agenesis typically lead normal, healthy lives and many cases are found by accident by abdominal ultrasound or CT scan... (However,) Bilateral Renal Agenesis is fatal and many affected newborns often have additional heart and lung defects. This is because a fetus with no kidneys cannot produce urine, a major component of the amniotic fluid which surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. A normal amniotic fluid amount is needed for proper lung development. Little or no amniotic fluid can also cause abnormal facial features and limb defects."
Taken from: http://www.accessdna.com/condition/Renal_Agenesis/324
"Most people have two kidneys. Renal agenesis happens when one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) kidneys do not form... People with unilateral renal agenesis typically lead normal, healthy lives and many cases are found by accident by abdominal ultrasound or CT scan... (However,) Bilateral Renal Agenesis is fatal and many affected newborns often have additional heart and lung defects. This is because a fetus with no kidneys cannot produce urine, a major component of the amniotic fluid which surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. A normal amniotic fluid amount is needed for proper lung development. Little or no amniotic fluid can also cause abnormal facial features and limb defects."
Taken from: http://www.accessdna.com/condition/Renal_Agenesis/324
Understanding Potter's Syndrome: Helpful Websites
The Official Potter's Syndrome Website:
http://www.potterssyndrome.org/
An Overview of Potter's from EMedicine:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/983477-overview
A European Medical Journal:
http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0028-2243/PII0028224384900285.pdf
An excerpt from a medical book:
http://books.google.com/books?id=LMfSCNvs8ioC&pg=PA201&lpg=PA201&dq=potter+syndrome+deliver&source=bl&ots=BWuP-6b5zK&sig=tYq5k7Tx-7OlgxAxnqNEBaI-ejA&hl=en&ei=9QZSSpiJGs7BtwfFmPiqBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8
http://www.potterssyndrome.org/
An Overview of Potter's from EMedicine:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/983477-overview
A European Medical Journal:
http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0028-2243/PII0028224384900285.pdf
An excerpt from a medical book:
http://books.google.com/books?id=LMfSCNvs8ioC&pg=PA201&lpg=PA201&dq=potter+syndrome+deliver&source=bl&ots=BWuP-6b5zK&sig=tYq5k7Tx-7OlgxAxnqNEBaI-ejA&hl=en&ei=9QZSSpiJGs7BtwfFmPiqBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8
Where to Find Support: Various Groups
Labor of Love - Infant and Child Loss Support Group
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Located at Robinwood Medical Center. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm.
Find us on Facebook!! Labor of Love
Potter's Syndrome Support Group
Message boards for moms and family members. Discussions vary from just finding out, to conceiving again.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/potterssyndrome/start
My Very Own Angel
Information about carrying to term, help for when you come home for the hospital, and how others can support you. Includes store that sells "I Have my Very Own Angel" tee-shirts.
http://www.myveryownangel.org/
Mothers of a Potter's Syndrome Angel
Support and information for moms.
http://moapsa.webs.com/
Facebook Group:
Potter's Syndrome - Mothers of a Potter's Syndrome Baby
Additional online support. Helps you find others who have been in your shoes.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mothers-of-a-Potters-Syndrome-Angel/245062080429
BabyCenter:
Full-Term Potter's Syndrome Group
Additional online support where you can connect to other potter's mommas.
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a6695735/full-term_potters_syndrome
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Located at Robinwood Medical Center. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm.
Find us on Facebook!! Labor of Love
Potter's Syndrome Support Group
Message boards for moms and family members. Discussions vary from just finding out, to conceiving again.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/potterssyndrome/start
My Very Own Angel
Information about carrying to term, help for when you come home for the hospital, and how others can support you. Includes store that sells "I Have my Very Own Angel" tee-shirts.
http://www.myveryownangel.org/
Mothers of a Potter's Syndrome Angel
Support and information for moms.
http://moapsa.webs.com/
Facebook Group:
Potter's Syndrome - Mothers of a Potter's Syndrome Baby
Additional online support. Helps you find others who have been in your shoes.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mothers-of-a-Potters-Syndrome-Angel/245062080429
BabyCenter:
Full-Term Potter's Syndrome Group
Additional online support where you can connect to other potter's mommas.
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a6695735/full-term_potters_syndrome
"Since He himself has gone through suffering and testing,
He is able to help us when we are being tested."
Hebrews 2:18