Protein-losing enteropathy Health Article

Definition

Protein-losing enteropathy is an abnormal loss of protein from the digestive tract or the inability of the digestive tract to absorb proteins.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are many causes of protein-losing enteropathy. Any condition that causes serious inflammation in the intestines can lead to protein loss. Some of the more common causes are:

• Celiac sprue
• Crohn's disease
• Lymphoma

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the underlying disease that is causing the protein-losing enteropathy.

Signs and tests

Tests include:

• Imaging tests to find an abnormality in the intestinal tract
• Stool alpha-1-antitrypsin test to find protein loss
• Other measurements of protein in the stool

Treatment

The health care provider will treat the condition that caused protein-losing enteropathy.

References

Greenwald DA. Protein-Losing Gastroenteropathy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 27.