Fanconi syndrome (patient information)
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Fanconi syndrome |
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Fanconi syndrome On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Charmaine Patel, M.D. [2]
Overview
Fanconi syndrome is a disorder of the kidney tubes in which certain substances normally absorbed into the bloodstream by the kidneys are released into the urine instead.
What are the symptoms of Fanconi syndrome?
- Passing large amounts of urine, which can lead to dehydration
- Bone pain
- Weakness
What causes Fanconi syndrome?
Fanconi syndrome can be caused by faulty genes, or it may result later in life due to kidney damage. Sometimes the cause of Fanconi syndrome is unknown.
Common causes of Fanconi syndrome in children are genetic defects that affect the body's ability to break down certain compounds such as:
- Cystine (cystinosis)
- Fructose (fructose intolerance)
- Galactose (galactosemia)
- Glycogen (glycogen storage disease)
Cystinosis is the most common cause of Fanconi syndrome in children.
Other causes in children include:
- Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, or cadmium
- Lowe's disease, a rare genetic disorder of the eyes, brain, and kidneys
- Wilson's disease
In adults, Fanconi syndrome can be caused by various things that damage the kidneys, including:
- Certain medications, including azathioprine, cidofovir, gentamicin, and tetracycline
- Kidney transplant
- Light chain deposition disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Primary amyloidosis
Diagnosis
Laboratory tests may show that too much of the following substances may be lost in the urine:
Loss of these substances can lead to a variety of problems. Further tests and a physical exam may show signs of:
- Dehydration due to excess urination
- Growth failure
- Osteomalacia
- Rickets
- Type 2 renal tubular acidosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you have dehydration or muscle weakness.
Treatment options
Many different diseases can cause Fanconi syndrome. The underlying cause and its symptoms should be treated as appropriate.
Where to find medical care for Fanconi syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis depends on the underlying disease.