Fanconi syndrome

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Fanconi syndrome[edit | edit source]

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Other Names: Primary Fanconi syndrome; Fanconi renotubular syndrome; Primary Fanconi renotubular syndrome

Fanconi syndrome (FS) affects the way the kidneys work. In FS, the kidneys do not properly absorb electrolytes and other substances into the body.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Fanconi syndrome can be isolated or acquired, and may be caused by genetic variants or environmental exposures. Because it has many different causes, it is unclear how many people have this condition.

Cause[edit | edit source]

Fanconi syndrome (FS) can occur by itself (isolated FS) or along with other inherited conditions. Isolated FS can be caused by the EHHADH, SLC34A1, GATM, or NDUFAF6 gene not working correctly. DNA changes known as pathogenic variants are responsible for making genes work incorrectly or sometimes, not at all. In many cases, FS occurs a part of another inherited condition. Cystinosis is the most common inherited condition associated with FS. FS can also be caused by environmental causes, such as heavy metals, drugs used in chemotherapy, and some other chemicals.

Inheritance[edit | edit source]

Fanconi syndrome that occurs on it's own (isolated Fanconi syndrome) can be inherited in families. The inheritance pattern may depend on the gene variant responsible for Fanconi syndrome, and may be either autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive. If Fanconi syndrome occurs as part of another condition, inheritance depends on the underlying condition. Many cases of Fanconi syndrome are not inherited in families and occur due to environmental exposures.

Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]

The following list includes the most common signs and symptoms in people with Fanconi syndrome (FS). These features may be different from person to person. Some people may have more symptoms than others and symptoms can range from mild to severe. This list does not include every symptom or feature that has been described in this condition. Symptoms may include:

  • Excess protein and other nutrients in the urine
  • Growth delay
  • Dehydration
  • Thirst
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • FS may cause soft, weak bones, known an rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. This can lead to bone pain and fractures. Lack of absorption of potassium can lead to tremor, numbness, and tingling. In some cases, FS can sometimes lead to kidney failure.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Fanconi syndrome is diagnosed based on the symptoms, clinical exam, and urine testing. People with Fanconi syndrome may have abnormally high amounts of protein, glucose, potassium, and salts in their urine.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for Fanconi syndrome depends on the cause, and is focused on managing the symptoms. In general, treatment involves maintaining fluid balance through replacement of the nutrients lost in the urine. In severe cases, some people may develop kidney failure and need a kidney transplant. Specialists involved in the care of someone with Fanconi syndrome may include:


Health science - Medicine - Nephrology - edit
Diseases of the glomerulus
Lupus nephritis | Post-infectious glomerulonephritis | Minimal change disease | Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis | Diabetic nephropathy
Diseases of the proximal convoluted tubules
Fanconi syndrome (Type II renal tubular acidosis) | renal cell carcinoma
Diseases of the distal convoluted tubules
pseudohypoaldosteronism (Type IV renal tubular acidosis)
Diseases of the collecting duct
Type I renal tubular acidosis
Tumours of the kidney
renal cell carcinoma | Wilms' tumour (children)
Diseases of the renal vasculature
renal artery stenosis | vasculitis | atheroembolic disease
Tubulointerstitial diseases of the kidney
Drug-induced interstitial nephritis | Obstructive nephropathy | Radiation nephritis | Reflux nephropathy | Sarcoidosis
Genetic diseases of the kidney/syndromes associated with kidney dysfunction
Alport syndrome | Polycystic kidney disease | Wilms' tumour (children)

von Hippel-Lindau syndrome | Hereditary papillary renal carcinoma | Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome | Hereditary renal carcinoma

Genetic diseases of the kidney/syndromes associated with kidney dysfunction

Chronic Kidney Disease

Anemia in CKD | Causes of CKD | CKD Overview | CKD Tests and Diagnosis | Diabetic Kidney Disease | Eating Right for CKD | High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease | Managing CKD | Mineral and Bone Disorder in CKD | Nutrition for Advanced CKD in Adults | Preventing CKD | Quick Reference on UACR & GFR

Kidney Failure

Eating and Nutrition for Hemodialysis | Financial Help for Treatment of Kidney Failure | Hemodialysis | Kidney Failure | Kidney Transplant | Peritoneal Dialysis

Other Kidney Topics

Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease | Amyloidosis and Kidney Disease | Diabetes Insipidus | Ectopic Kidney | Glomerular Diseases | Goodpasture Syndrome | Henoch-Schönlein Purpura | IgA Nephropathy | Kidney Dysplasia | Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) | Kidney Stones | Lupus Nephritis | Medullary Sponge Kidney | Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults | Pain Medicine and Kidney Damage | Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) | Renal Artery Stenosis | Renal Tubular Acidosis | Simple Kidney Cysts | Solitary Kidney | Your Kidneys and How They Work | Your Urinary Tract and How It Works

NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]

Fanconi syndrome is a rare disease.


Fanconi syndrome Resources
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