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Protein-losing enteropathy

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

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.

Exams 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.

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.

Review Date: 8/22/2008
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.