PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS OF BARTTER-SYNDROME

Bartter syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder of hyperaldosteronis m and increased plasma renin, was suspected in an at-risk pregnancy du e to the early occurrence of polyhydramnios. Further establishment of the diagnosis was accomplished by demonstrating increased levels of al dosterone in amniotic fluid and fetal cord blood. Electrolyte levels d id not differ significantly from reported controls. It is thus suggest ed that polyhydramnios is the result of increased fetal urine output i n Bartter syndrome and that amniotic fluid aldosterone is a reliable m arker for the prenatal diagnosis of this condition.