Long-term endocrinologic complications of cystinosis.

AIM: Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by defective cystine transport from lysosomes to cytoplasm and cystine crystal accumulation damaging many organs and tissues especially kidneys but extrarenal systems such as endocrine system. We aim to investigate endocrinologic complications of cystinosis

METHODS

In our study, twenty one patients were reviewed retrospectively for endocrinologic complications.

RESULTS

Eighteen (85.7%) had short stature, out of nine patients who reached pubertal age, five (55.5%) had pubertal delay, five patients (23.8%) had overt hypothyroidism and five patients (23.8%) had subclinical hypothyroidism with only elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, seven (33.3%) had glucose intolerance, two (9.5%) had diabetes mellitus. Relation of these complications to age, renal functions and the dosage of cysteamine were studied.

CONCLUSION

Endocrinologic complications of cystinosis can be seen in pediatric population and it is important to understand underlying mechanisms.