Bilateral Renal Agenesis

Definition

Definition of Bilateral Renal Agenesis
When the kidneys are not developed in the foetus, the condition is know as Bilateral Renal Agenesis. The lack of kidneys causes oligohydramnios which is a deficiency of amniotic fluid in a pregnant woman. It can place extra pressure on the developing baby and cause further malformations. Males are generally affected with this disorder and most infants that are born alive do not live beyond four hours.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Bilateral Renal Agenesis
Various symptooms of Bilateral Renal Agenesis:

1. Absent kidneys
2. Death within days of birth
3. Premature birth
4. Spontaneous abortion
5. Fetal death
6. Reduced amniotic fluid

Etiology

Etiology of Bilateral Renal Agenesis
Usually sporadic occurrence but 20-36% of bilateral renal agenesis (BRA) present a familial recurrence (possibly autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance and variable expression).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Bilateral Renal Agenesis
The diagnosis of the disease is first indicated by the absence of amniotic fluid then by the absence of the bladder and the lack of kidneys. Further, Colour Doppler has been found useful in those difficult exam to identify the lack of renal arteries. Before a final diagnosis is made one should think and if possible exclude the possibility of pelvic or ectopic kidneys that could compress the bladder and exclude the possibility of ectopic ureter that could explain the absence of bladder. The disease may be dianosed by:

1. Home Bladder Testing
2. Home Urinary Tract Infection Tests
3. Home Cystitis Tests
4. Home Kidney Tests

Prognosis

Prognosis of Bilateral Renal Agenesis
Lethal

Treatment

Treatment of Bilateral Renal Agenesis
As such there is no treatment for those infants who are prone to the disease. But it is the responsibility of the pregnant woman to avoid the risk by following guidelines during the period including:

1. Urinary Care & Incontinence
2. Bladder