Potter sequence is associated with which prenatal condition?

Potter sequence is associated with which prenatal condition?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Polyhydramnios
• C. Maternal infection
• D. Oligohydramnios

Answer: (D)

Potter sequence arises from severe oligohydramnios, usually caused by fetal renal failure such as bilateral renal agenesis. With very little amniotic fluid, the fetus becomes chronically compressed, leading to the characteristic Potter features—flattened facies, micrognathia, limb contractures—and, most critically, pulmonary hypoplasia from insufficient space and fluid to expand the lungs. This is why oligohydramnios is the best answer: the sequence results from reduced amniotic fluid, not from maternal hyperglycemia, polyhydramnios, or maternal infection, which are associated with different patterns of anomalies.

Potter sequence arises from severe oligohydramnios, usually caused by fetal renal failure such as bilateral renal agenesis. With very little amniotic fluid, the fetus becomes chronically compressed, leading to the characteristic Potter features—flattened facies, micrognathia, limb contractures—and, most critically, pulmonary hypoplasia from insufficient space and fluid to expand the lungs. This is why oligohydramnios is the best answer: the sequence results from reduced amniotic fluid, not from maternal hyperglycemia, polyhydramnios, or maternal infection, which are associated with different patterns of anomalies.