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.