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Fanconi syndrome

De Toni-Fanconi syndrome

 

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.

Causes

 

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 syndrome, a rare genetic disorder of the eyes, brain, and kidneys
  • Wilson 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

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms include:

  • Passing large amounts of urine, which can lead to dehydration
  • Bone pain
  • Weakness

 

Exams and Tests

 

Laboratory tests may show that too much of the following substances may be lost in the urine:

  • Amino acids
  • Bicarbonate
  • Glucose
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphate
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Uric acid

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

 

Treatment

 

Many different diseases can cause Fanconi syndrome. The underlying cause and its symptoms should be treated as appropriate.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The prognosis depends on the underlying disease.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you have dehydration or muscle weakness.

 

 

References

Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF. Electrolyte and acid-base disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 55.

Mount DB. Disorders of potassium balance. In: Skorecki K, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, Taal MW, Yu ASL, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 18.

Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 118.

 
  • Kidney anatomy - illustration

    The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and stimulating red blood cell production.

    Kidney anatomy

    illustration

    • Kidney anatomy - illustration

      The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and stimulating red blood cell production.

      Kidney anatomy

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Fanconi syndrome

           

             

            Review Date: 3/25/2016

            Reviewed By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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