Protein-losing enteropathy
Definition:
- Excessive loss of protein into the gut lumen leading to hypoproteinemia.
Causes:
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Clinical features:
- Peripheral oedema
- Hypoproteinemia: low serum albumin, low immunoglobulins
- Liver function test: normal
- absent proteinuria.
Investigation:
- measurement of fecal clearance of α1-antitrypsin or 51Cr-labeled albumin after IV injection.
- confirmatory
- Other investigations accordingly
- to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment:
- Treatment of underlying disorder,
- nutritional support and
- measures to control peripheral oedema.