No, a baby cannot survive without at least one functioning kidney without medical intervention. The absence of kidneys, or bilateral renal agenesis, is a life-threatening condition.
Here's why:
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Kidney Function is Essential: Kidneys perform crucial functions, including filtering waste products from the blood, regulating fluid balance, and producing urine.
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Impact on Development in Utero: During pregnancy, the baby's kidneys contribute to the production of amniotic fluid. Insufficient amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) can lead to:
- Incomplete Lung Development (Pulmonary Hypoplasia): Amniotic fluid is essential for proper lung development. Without it, the lungs may not develop sufficiently to support breathing after birth.
- Potter Sequence: This is a group of physical abnormalities that can occur due to oligohydramnios, including facial deformities, limb abnormalities, and pulmonary hypoplasia.
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Postnatal Challenges: After birth, the lack of kidney function leads to a buildup of toxins in the blood (uremia) and fluid overload.
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Treatment Options (Experimental): While survival without any kidney function is not naturally possible, experimental treatments are being explored:
- Dialysis: Dialysis can filter the blood, but it is a complex and challenging treatment for newborns, and it does not fully replicate all kidney functions.
- Kidney Transplant: Kidney transplantation is a potential long-term solution, but it requires a suitable donor and carries risks of rejection. Transplantation in newborns is also a very complex procedure.
In summary, a baby born without kidneys faces severe developmental issues in utero and cannot survive after birth without intensive medical intervention, such as dialysis and potentially kidney transplant. Even with these interventions, the prognosis is extremely guarded.
