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Fanconi Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment Options

Jun 13, 2023
2 Minutes Read
Nephrology
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Overview

Fanconi syndrome is a rare disorder characterised by the impaired functioning of the renal tubules in the kidneys. It leads to the excessive loss of important substances such as glucose, amino acids, electrolytes, and minerals in the urine. The affected individual might feel frequent urges to urinate, feel thirsty repetitively, have bone pain, and have muscle weakness. The syndrome can be observed in any individual, but people with either one parent suffering from the disease are more prone to the disorder. For children, this is an inherited disorder. For adults, this is more of an acquired type of disorder. In case of the symptom mentioned above, getting a quick medical consultation is advised to know the root cause of the disorder.

Causes of Fanconi Syndrome

Mentioned below are Fanconi Syndrome causes that help to understand the disorder and get the required treatment:

    • Cystinosis- Cystinosis is a medical disorder involving the build-up of amino acid cysteine in the kidneys. The acid may lead to brain, eye, and kidney disorders. It is one of the rare kidney diseases.
    • Lowe Syndrome- A syndrome caused due to complications related to the X chromosome of an individual is known as Lowe syndrome. It is a rare disease and one of the causes of kidney disease. The illness may affect different body organs, such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes.
    • Wilson's Disease is also one of the causes of kidney disorders. The medical condition involves the inability of the body to release copper. As a result, the levels of copper increase in the affected individual's body and lead to issues in the functioning of the brain, eyes, and kidneys.
    • Dent Disease- Dent disease is also one of the causes of kidney disorders. The medical disorder is rarely found and happens when excess calcium is released from the body. The condition can also lead to other health issues, such as kidney stones and chronic kidney disease.
    • Medications and Toxins- Certain medications, such as certain antibiotics, antivirals, and chemotherapeutic agents, as well as exposure to heavy metals like lead or cadmium, can cause Fanconi syndrome.

Symptoms of Fanconi Syndrome

Mentioned below are Fanconi Syndrome symptoms that help to identify the disorder and allow one to begin the treatment in the initial stages:

    • Dehydration- Dehydration is one of the symptoms of the disease. It happens due to the loss of vital nutrients and electrolytes through urination of the affected individual. The individual also feels thirstier and passes more urine than a healthy human.
    • Polydipsia- Polydipsia is a medical condition in which the affected individual feels thirstier than a healthy person. Higher fluid consumption leads to more urination. Such conditions disturb the affected human and may create an obstacle in performing routine activities.
    • Pain in BonesFanconi Syndrome leads to low phosphate levels. The condition results in pain in the bones. The affected individual cannot easily perform daily routine functions like walking or climbing stairs.
    • Bone Fracture- The bone fracture is also observed in this form of kidney disorder. It happens due to proximal renal tubule dysfunction. The bones become weak in case of severe symptoms. One might also experience a fracture in the bones.
    • Low Blood Phosphate Levels- It is also one of the symptoms of kidney disorders. It happens due to the inability of the body to absorb phosphate, amino acids, glucose, and other vital nutrients and electrolytes. The situation arises as the medical condition is directly related to renal tubule dysfunction.
    • Hypokalemia- The body's low potassium levels or inability to hold potassium is known as hypokalemia. It is also one of the symptoms of the kidney disorder. It involves low levels of potassium and other vital nutrients in the body leading to multiple kidney disorders.

Risk Factors for Fanconi Syndrome

People with medical conditions or mentioned health issues are more prone to getting affected by Fanconi Syndrome:

    • Kidney Transplant
    • Multiple Myeloma
    • Light Chain Deposition Disease
    • Medications

Treatment Options for Fanconi Syndrome

Mentioned below are some of the Fanconi Syndrome treatment options that help to lower the symptoms of the kidney issue:

    • Dietary ChangesFanconi Syndrome is a medical condition in which the affected individual loses many nutrients and electrolytes. It is important to include nutrients such as potassium, calcium, bicarbonates, vitamin D, phosphates, and more to help lower the symptoms. In addition, such elements help eliminate kidney disorders and give one a healthy routine.
    • High-Calorie Diet- Cases of Fanconi Syndrome are also found in kids. This medical disorder weakens the affected child's bones, leading to bone pain or even a fracture. In such situations, the doctor might suggest a high-calorie and calcium-rich diet for the child to maintain healthy growth. Such a diet also helps maintain the levels of the required nutrients by the child.
    • Cystinosis Treatment- Treating cystitis is one of the treatment options to lower the symptoms of this kidney disease. The process helps remove the amino acid cystine from the kidney caused due to the disease. It also helps to protect organs such as the brain, eyes, and kidneys that might be at risk due to kidney ailment.
    • Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement- Adequate hydration and replacement of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, may be necessary to maintain proper balance.

When to consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Nephrology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Fanconi Syndrome is a kidney disorder caused due to inability of the organ to absorb vital nutrients. The medical condition may cause an issue in the functioning of the different organs, such as the brain, eyes, and kidneys. Proper medications and diet modifications help to lower the symptoms of the ailment.

FAQ

Q. What is Fanconi Syndrome? A. Fanconi Syndrome is a disorder of the kidney to absorb important nutrients and electrolytes for the nourishment of the body.

Q. What are the symptoms of Fanconi Syndrome? A. Feeling thirstier than usual, dehydration, frequent urination, bone pain, and other similar conditions are common symptoms of kidney disorder.

Reference Links

    • https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/hepatocellular-carcinoma-or-liver-cancer-symptoms-treatment-prognosis/
    • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24233-fanconi-syndrome
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