aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
Cystinosis is the most common cause in children. However, any form of renal tubular damage may be responsible, for example:
- multiple myeloma
- nephrotic syndrome
- Sjogren's syndrome
- other metabolic disorders such as:
- Lowe's syndrome
- galactosaemia
- hereditary fructose intolerence
- tyrosinaemia
- following shock and major surgery
- heavy metal poisoning:
- lead
- mercury
- copper (Wilson's disease)
- in nutritional disorders such as:
- scurvy
- kwashiorkor
- nutritional rickets
- drugs:
- outdated tetracycline
- cisplatin
- salicylates
- in medullary cystic disease
Note idiopathic Fanconi syndrome may occur:
- autosomal dominant inheritance; presents in adults with osteomalacia, rickets and deteriorating renal function
- treatment: calcitriol; phosphate, potassium, sodium bicarbonate supplements
Note that a Fanconi syndrome in association with hepatic dysfunction suggests Wilsons, tyrosinaemia or galactosaemia.