Ways To Treat Fanconi Syndrome

October 2, 2023

Fanconi syndrome is a disorder of the kidneys' tubule system that causes an excess amount of glucose, bicarbonate, and phosphate excretion in the urine. It also allows uric acid, potassium, and amino acids to be passed into the urine as well. The causes of this condition include exposure to chemotherapy, heavy metals or chemicals, vitamin D deficiency, kidney transplantation, multiple myeloma, and amyloidosis. This condition is also believed to be heredity and caused by faulty genes.

The signs of Fanconi syndrome are typically noticed in infancy and include excessive drinking and urination. Children with this condition tend to have stunted growth and chronic kidney disease. This disorder can be diagnosed in childhood or adulthood and occur with another condition called cystinosis. This is an inherited disorder that affects amino acid metabolism. During childhood, a kidney transplant may be warranted if the child suffers from kidney failure.

Get to know the major treatment options for Fanconi syndrome now.

Replenish Fluids And Electrolytes

Since individuals diagnosed with Fanconi syndrome lose vital minerals through their urine, it is important they replenish fluids and electrolytes daily. Electrolytes are salts, acids, and bases that produce an electrically conducting solution and are easily dissolved into water. They need usually need to be replaced when someone has exerted themselves physically or been ill from vomiting and diarrhea.

Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. They also consist of chloride, hydrogen phosphate, and hydrogen carbonate. Each electrolyte has a negative or positive charge and is involved in the body’s chemical process. For instance, sodium helps balance fluid and control blood pressure. They are responsible for osmotic activity in the body and control hydration and blood pH. The foods that can assist in replenishing electrolytes include coconut water, bananas, dairy products, and watermelon. A patient with Fanconi syndrome must replace fluids to avoid dehydration and maintain their body’s homeostasis, as individuals with this condition are prone to dehydration because urea is eliminated from the body when urinating.

Continue reading to learn more ways to treat Fanconi syndrome now.

A High-Calorie Diet

Since the body loses essential substances needed to stay healthy when dealing with Fanconi syndrome, eating a diet high in protein and calories is necessary. A high-calorie diet consists of food such as potatoes, whole milk, cream cheese, and casseroles with meat. Add calories to food by topping with butter, margarine, heavy cream, or mayonnaise. This type of diet can prevent malnutrition and help preserve weight. It can also help maintain energy and replace the significant substances lost due to Fanconi syndrome.

Eating a diet high in calories will ensure you get the macronutrients needed to develop muscles and help manage metabolism. It gives you more energy and can keep your appetite under control as well. Fanconi syndrome can cause you to lose weight because your body is constantly losing vital substances. When incorporating more calories into your diet, add red meats, rice, potatoes, and starches. Drinking smoothies is a quick way to gain weight and eating nuts will help too.

Get to know the next treatment option now.

Physical Therapy

During physical therapy, methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise are used to treat a disease or injury. The patient works with a physical therapist that uses movements, mechanical force, exercises, and electrotherapy to treat their condition. The therapist helps control pain and teaches the patient methods they can perform on their own. A physical therapist can assist with improving your ability to move, bladder control, and manage a chronic illness. They are trained professionals that typically have a master’s degree or doctorate in this industry.

Your healthcare provider can help you find a therapist to treat symptoms related to Fanconi syndrome. Physiotherapy can alleviate the pain by putting you on an exercise regime, using manual manipulation, and using hot or cold therapy. The physical activity they employ may require low impact aerobic training, stretching, and strengthening exercises to abate the pain.

Learn more about treatments for Fanonci syndrome now.

Kidney Transplant

Since Fanconi syndrome affects the kidneys tubular function, they can adequately reabsorb substances vital to maintaining the body’s equilibrium, causing the continuous loss of electrolytes and fluids and affects your health tremendously. In many instances, individuals with this condition require a kidney transplant in efforts to recover their health. A donated kidney will improve your body’s functions and allow it to maintain better levels of fluid retention. During this surgical procedure, surgeons place a healthy kidney from a donor who is alive or deceased into the patient with Fanconi syndrome.

Once the transplant is complete, patients can lead active lives and get healthy again. A donated kidney may last for up to fifteen years, and the donor must match your blood type for compatibility. On the other hand, your body can reject the kidney and cause complications too. Speak with your physician regarding this procedure.

MORE FROM HealthPrep