Renal agenesis is a defect in embryonic development that can prevent one or both kidneys from forming. Chromosomal abnormalities and maternal smoking, drinking, and drug use may play a role. Unilateral renal agenesis is often asymptomatic, while bilateral agenesis is fatal. Treatment includes medication and surgery.
Renal agenesis is a defect that occurs early in embryonic development that prevents one or both kidneys from forming. Medical professionals are unsure of the exact causes of agenesis, although chromosomal abnormalities and maternal smoking, drinking, and drug use appear to play a significant role. Unilateral renal agenesis, a single renal deformity, is often asymptomatic and does not lead to serious medical complications. When both kidneys are missing in a bilateral condition, survival beyond early childhood is unlikely.
Doctors usually use the term renal agenesis to refer to the complete absence of a kidney, although it can also describe a partially formed or nonfunctioning organ. The unilateral variety is quite common and often goes undetected until a patient receives diagnostic imaging tests for another medical problem. When doctors notice that a kidney is missing, they usually do a series of tests to make sure that the existing organ is capable of handling essential kidney functions.
As long as the kidney is healthy, it can filter wastes sufficiently, promote nutrient absorption, and control blood pressure without medical intervention. A patient who has blood pressure problems may be prescribed daily medications to help prevent heart complications. Children with unilateral renal agenesis may be placed on low-protein diets to take the strain off their kidneys. With regular checkups, most patients are able to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
Most fetuses with bilateral renal agenesis do not survive to delivery, and the babies that are born may not live for more than a week or two. Bilateral renal agenesis is especially devastating if it is accompanied by other complications, such as low birth weight, congenital heart defects, and underdeveloped lungs. It’s often difficult for doctors to pinpoint a specific cause, although genetic testing can reveal underlying problems. The condition has been associated with mutations that result in an extra copy of a particular chromosome, such as in Down syndrome. Also, the likelihood of having a child with unilateral or bilateral renal agenesis increases when one or both parents have kidney problems, or when the mother abuses drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.
When a baby is born with bilateral renal agenesis, he or she is usually placed on a mechanical ventilator and given a feeding tube. Your baby’s circulatory system can be severely affected, causing abnormally high or low blood pressure that needs to be controlled with medication and surgery. A baby usually stays on a ventilator and dialysis machine for several days while specialists determine the likelihood of survival.
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