Signs & Symptoms Of Fanconi Syndrome

Fanconi syndrome is a rare disorder affecting the functioning of the kidneys. Specifically, the disorder negative impacts the kidney tubules and causes excessive amounts of glucose, phosphate, uric acid, bicarbonate, potassium, and some amino acids to be excreted in the urine. There are a variety of factors that can cause or influence the development of Fanconi syndrome. It can be inherited or caused by exposure to chemotherapy and antiretroviral drugs, for example. Having a vitamin D deficiency, being exposed to heavy metals or chemicals, or undergoing a kidney transplant are also potential risk factors. In patients with Fanconi syndrome, the thyroid gland can cause an underactive thyroid gland, which prevents the renal tubules in the kidneys from adequately reabsorb necessary fluids and materials. While the causes are varied, several major symptoms can identify the onset of Fanconi syndrome.

Muscle Weakness

The physical manifestation of Fanconi syndrome will depend on the underlying causes of that particular case. Because bodies affected by this syndrome excrete increased and excessive amounts of certain vital substances, the bones and muscles can be heavily impacted. Adult patients, in particular, may develop severe osteomalacia, which is a softening of the bones due to insufficient levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate. This impairment affects bone metabolism and can manifest through bone pain and extreme muscle weakness. Hypokalemia, or low levels of potassium in the blood, may also develop, which also presents with muscle weakness.

Get to know more symptoms of Fanconi syndrome to watch out for now.