1. Use Dietary Restrictions to Treat Underlying Causes
Genetic disorders that affect how certain substances are broken down by the body are a common cause of Fanconi syndrome. These conditions include fructose intolerance, galactosemia and glycogen storage diseases. Most of these disorders are treated by the imposition of strict dietary restrictions. In the case of galactosemia, for example, all milk products--both human and animal--must be avoided at all costs. If the offensive substances can be effectively avoided, the Fanconi syndrome should completely subside. If your child has one of these disorders, it's important to make sure she is getting all of the necessary nutrients, despite the dietary restrictions. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about what types of supplements are needed.
2. Take Supplements to Counteract Deficiencies
Fanconi syndrome causes valuable nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and others to be evacuated from the body through the urine. The body needs these substances for such functions as hydration regulation, pH balance and many others. If your child's Fanconi syndrome is caused by an untreatable condition, or his condition is unchecked, supplements can be used to replace some of the nutrients the body is missing.
3. Drug Therapies for Underlying Conditions
There are drug therapies used to treat certain underlying conditions that cause Fanconi syndrome, including cystinosis (the most common cause of Fanconi syndrome in infants) and Wilson disease. Cystinosis is treated using a drug called cysteamine and Wilson disease is treated with penicillamine. These drugs work to control these disorders. When these disorders are controlled, the Fanconi syndrome typically abates.
4. Kidney Transplant Is the Last Resort
A kidney transplant may be needed as a last resort if the kidneys go into kidney failure. This is usually in cases where the Fanconi syndrome or the underlying cause was diagnosed late or could not be treated effectively. Kidney transplant itself can also be a cause of Fanconi syndrome, but this usually subsides within a year of transplantation.
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