Warning Signs And Complications Of Cystinosis

Muscle Wasting

The kidneys are the most severely affected organ system in children with cystinosis, and untreated cystinosis leads to death due to kidney failure. However, other organ systems also experience problems and a variety of symptoms. Muscle wasting or atrophy is commonly observed in children with cystinosis. Research has strongly established muscle atrophy is a complication of cystinosis, but there isn't conclusive evidence as to how. While the most common cause of muscle atrophy is a lack of physical activity, unexplained muscle wasting is a sign of an underlying condition. Children with cystinosis may experience muscle wasting because their small intestine doesn't have the ability to absorb the necessary nutrients for growth and physical health. The cystine levels themselves may also contribute to muscle atrophy. In similar conditions, like hypercalcemia, substance buildups cause muscle weakness.

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