Protein Losing Enteropathy
Clinical Presentation:
 • Volume overload: Peripheral edema, pleural effusion or ascites.
 • Gl symptoms if underlying disease.
 • Increased susceptibility infections.
 • Malnutrition (fat soluble vitamins)
Diagnosis:
 • Suspect in patients without apparent cause of protein loss (e.g. proteinuria) or inadequate synthesis or supply.
 • Increase in alpha-1 antitrypsin clearance
 • Determine underlying etiology
Etiologies:
 • Erosive Gl diseases: UC/Crohn, Gl malignancies
 • Non-erosive Gl diseases: Intestinal diseases (e.g. Celiac), Amyloidosis
 • Disorders with lymphatics: Primary or secondary
Treatment:
 • Dietary therapy: Low-fat, High-protein, medium-chain triglycerides.
    - MCT Bypass the lymphatic circulation.
    - Very High protein (1.5 - 3 g/kg)
 • Treatment of the underlying disease
 • Octreotide (??)

- UTSWIM Chiefs @UTSWIMchief

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