Potter syndrome is not technically a syndrome, but kidneys failing to develop properly in the fetus. The kidneys normally produce the amniotic fluid as urine. Lack of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) leads to problems associated with Potter syndrome. Oligohydramnios occurs if the volume of amniotic fluid is less than normal for the corresponding period of gestation. This may be due to decreased urine production due to bilateral renal agenesis, obstruction of the urinary tract, or occasionally, premature rupture of the amniotic membranes (PPROM). Fetal urine is also critical to the proper development of the lungs by helping to expand the airways and supplying Proline, a critical amino acid to the lungs. Potter syndrome or Potter Sequence is a sequence of events that can be linked to various causes of renal failure.
For more information on Potter syndrome, visit:
- eMedicine – Potter Syndrome
- Potter Syndrome Org – FAQs Potter Syndrome Org
- Medline Plus – Potter Syndrome U.S. National Library of Medicine
- PubMed Health – Potter Syndrome National Center for Biotechnology Information