[Protein-losing enteropathy].

Abstract

Protein-losing enteropathy is a rare syndrome of gastrointestinal protein loss. The primary causes can be classified into lymphatic leakage due to increased interstitial pressure and increased leakage of protein-rich fluids due to erosive or non-erosive gastrointestinal disorders. The diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy should be considered in patients with chronic diarrhea and peripheral oedema. The diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy is most commonly based on the determination of fecal alpha-1 antitrypsin clearance. Most protein-losing enteropathy cases are the result of either lymphatic obstruction or a variety of gastrointestinal disorders and cardiac diseases, while primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (Waldmann's disease) is less common. Treatment of protein-losing enteropathy targets the underlying disease but also includes dietary modification, such as high-protein and low-fat diet along with medium-chain triglyceride supplementation.

• Authors: A Amiot
• Journal: La Revue de medecine interne (Rev Med Interne) Vol. 36 Issue 7 Pg. 467-73 (Jul 2015) ISSN: 1768-3122 [Electronic] France
• Vernacular Title: Gastro-entéropathies exsudatives.
• PMID: 25618488 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Protein-Losing Enteropathies (diagnosis, etiology, therapy)