Developmental Renal Malformations, Oligo/Anhydramnios: Pathophysiology and Clinical Aspects

Event Details

Background

Renal malformations associated with lack of fetal urine production or obstruction to fetal urine flow can cause severe oligohydramnios or anhydramnios (reduced or absent amniotic fluid). The latter, in-turn, can lead to severe fetal abnormalities by restricting intrauterine growth, fetal breathing and swallowing, maturation of facial structures, skin, joints and skeleton (e.g., arthrogryposis, facial deformities). Lack of fetal breathing coupled with reduced intrauterine space causes severe pulmonary hypoplasia, leading to the well-known clinical condition called Potter’s sequence (also called Potter’s syndrome). Because of pulmonary hypoplasia, Potter’s complex is associated with neonatal death, often within a few hours to few days after birth. However, recent advances in fetal imaging have enabled earlier diagnosis of evolving kidney disorders, and intrauterine fetal surgery, such as urinary diversion for posterior urethral valve and amnioinfusion to prevent pulmonary hypoplasia, have been carried out. These treatments have resulted in varying degrees of benefits for some, but not for all infants affected by maternal oligo/anhydramnios.

Thus, despite improved knowledge about these conditions, major knowledge gaps exist. This workshop is organized to understand the clinical and basic science issues related to the development of oligo/anhydramnios.

For more information regarding this meeting, please visit the official meeting page.

Meeting Objectives

• Describe the biology of amniotic fluid production/absorption and regulation
• Describe the epidemiology of renal malformations in relation to oligo/anhydramnios
• Describe how renal development correlates with prenatal renal ultrasound findings: can early ultrasound diagnose evolving urinary tract obstruction?
• Understand what fetal/neonatal surgical interventions and other management strategies  are available for prenatally identified renal anomalies associated with oligo/anhydramnios
• Develop approaches to evidence based counseling of prospective parents about expected renal outcomes

Registration Deadline

There is no deadline but space is limited.

Agenda

For more information regarding this meeting, please visit the official meeting page.