Common Causes Of Fanconi Syndrome

Fanconi syndrome is a disorder in which the kidneys do not absorb certain substances—such as water, glucose, phosphate, uric acid, and amino acids—that are typically absorbed by them into the blood, causing them to be released into the urine instead. Symptoms of the disorder when it is inherited include excess thirst and excess urination, nausea leading to vomiting, low muscle tone and subsequent frailty, and kidney disease. When the disorder is acquired, some symptoms that can be seen are muscle weakness and bone disease. Though there are cases where the cause of the disease is unknown, it is typically attributed to a few common issues. Discover the common causes now.

Cystinosis

Cystinosis is a rare disease typically diagnosed before the patient is two years old. It is caused by genetic metabolic issues and can lead to an amino acid called cystine to accumulate in a variety of organs throughout the body. These crystals are generally found in the kidneys, eyes, liver, muscles, pancreas, brain, and white blood cells. If the child diagnosed with this disease does not receive treatment, they can develop end-stage kidney failure before they even reach ten years old. Fanconi syndrome can result as a complication of this disease. Children with untreated Fanconi syndrome and this disease will generally be picky about what they eat and crave salty foods. They will also develop very slowly when compared with others their age.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment option wherein the patient is often subject to an array of anti-cancer medication as a part of their regimen. It can be used both to prolong the life of someone with cancer as well as to potentially cure cancer for others. While chemotherapy can have many benefits for those battling cancer, it also comes with a plethora of side effects. One common side effect that can target those who receive chemotherapy is renal dysfunction as a result of nephrotoxic agents. What this means is certain medications administered to patients battling cancer can cause their kidneys to stop functioning correctly. As a result, patients can develop acquired Fanconi syndrome.

Antiretroviral Medication

Antiretroviral medications are used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While the medications cannot cure HIV, they can improve the quality of life of the patient, and they can lower the viral load as well as help them fight infection. Doctors will typically recommend two or more of the medicine to take together because they work in different ways. Many clinical trials have found these medications, while they provide critical assistance to those with HIV, can cause Fanconi syndrome as a side effect. Patients with HIV who are taking antiretroviral medication should be sure to speak with their doctor about whether Fanconi syndrome is something they should be worried about with their particular medication regimen.

Wilson's Disease

Wilson's disease is a rare disorder that can cause copper to accumulate in the liver, brain, and other vital organs. It is an inherited disorder usually diagnosed between five years old and thirty-five years old. While copper is an important part in the development of healthy nerves, bones, and melanin, individuals who have Wilson's disease cannot excrete copper properly. Their copper accumulates and can be life-threatening if it is not treated early. Symptoms of this disease include fatigue, lack of appetite, jaundice, eye discoloration, and trouble swallowing. The buildup of copper in the body can cause damage to the kidneys, which can allow Fanconi syndrome to develop. Patients dealing with this disease should be sure to speak to their doctor about possible Fanconi syndrome and how to prevent it.

Inherited Fructose Intolerance

Inherited fructose intolerance is a condition wherein the patient does not have the protein they need to be able to break down fructose. As a result, the patient has an array of complicated chemical changes that occur in their body. Patients with this inherited disorder lack an enzyme called aldolase B, which is needed to process fructose. When the person consumes fructose, the body cannot change the sugar into glucose, and the blood sugar falls, allowing dangerous substances to build up in the liver. Symptoms include convulsions, irritability, jaundice, fatigue, and vomiting. Fanconi syndrome can result as a complication of this disorder if it is left untreated. The best way to avoid it is to speak to a doctor about how to reduce your risk of Fanconi syndrome.