A Case Report of Fatal Potter's Syndrome / Sequence

Potter's syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by characteristic atypical appearance of a newborn due to the oligohydramnios experienced during the intrauterine life. Potter's syndrome refers to the typical facial characteristics and associated pulmonary hypoplasia of a neonate as a direct result of oligohydramnios due to the renal pathology. Severe respiratory insufficiency leads to a fatal outcome in most of the infants. Though it is not inherited, sometimes the primary cause may have a genetic reason like autosomal dominant polycystic kidney, which may run in families. As there is no known method of prevention, the mortality rate is high. This reported case of Potter's syndrome was fatal. In this case, reported by us, a 19years old primigravida female came to antenatal ultrasound, which was of 29 weeks gestational age by last menstrual period. On ultrasound the gestational age was 25 to 26 weeks and typical findings of Potter's syndrome were detected in ultrasound. On follow up, after 1 week, a preterm male child was spontaneously delivered through vaginal route in severe respiratory distress and died immediately after birth. This case report emphasizes upon the importance of regular antenatal check-ups in every pregnant woman.