Alternate Names : De Toni-Fanconi Syndrome

Definition

Fanconi's syndrome is an impairment in proximal tubular function of the kidney. This impairment causes certain compounds, which should be absorbed back into the bloodstream by the kidneys, to be excreted in the urine instead.

Some compounds that may be lost in the urine include glucose, amino acids, uric acid, and phosphate. Loss of these compounds can cause problems, such as growth failure, decreased bone mineralization (rickets), and abnormal bone mineralization (osteomalacia).

Type two renal tubular acidosis (RTA) occurs when too much bicarbonate is excreted in the urine, causing excess acid in the blood (acidosis). Another problem that may result is dehydration caused by excess urination.