Protein-losing enteropathy in Transkeian children with morbid protein-energy malnutrition.

Abstract

A commercially available radial immunodiffusion assay was used to measure serum and faecal alpha 1-antitrypsin concentrations as well as alpha 1-antitrypsin clearance in 17 children with kwashiorkor, 11 children with marasmic kwashiorkor, 10 children with marasmus, and 16 normal children. Serum alpha 1-antitrypsin concentrations were significantly higher than normal in the marasmus and marasmic kwashiorkor groups, and significantly lower than normal in the kwashiorkor group. The intestinal clearance of alpha 1-antitrypsin was significantly higher than normal in the marasmus and marasmic kwashiorkor groups, and significantly lower than normal in the kwashiorkor group. There was a significant inverse correlation between the alpha 1-antitrypsin clearance and serum albumin concentration in the marasmus and marasmic kwashiorkor groups. No such correlation was evident in the kwashiorkor group. It is concluded that protein-losing enteropathy is likely to play a significant role in the development and perpetuation of hypo-albuminaemia in children with marasmus and marasmic kwashiorkor but not in those with kwashiorkor.

• Authors: J E Iputo
• Journal: South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde (S Afr Med J) Vol. 83 Issue 8 Pg. 588-9 (Aug 1993) ISSN: 0256-9574 [Print] South Africa
• PMID: 8211522 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• alpha 1-Antitrypsin

Topics

• Biomarkers (analysis)
• Feces (chemistry)
• Humans
• Infant
• Protein-Energy Malnutrition (complications, metabolism)
• Protein-Losing Enteropathies (etiology)
• alpha 1-Antitrypsin (analysis)