What is protein-losing enteropathy?

Also known as: PLE.

When the body unexpectedly loses needed protein during digestion, this might be due to a a symptom of a disease called protein-losing enteropathy. This is mainly caused by obstruction of lymph tissue, inflammation or changes to the barrier with in the gut wall.
 

What causes protein-losing enteropathy?

In many cases, diseases that cause inflammation, damage to the intestines, obstruction of lymph tissue or that cause, cardiac disease and genetic conditions are at the root of protein-losing enteropathy. These include cardiac conditions, bacterial infections, HIV infections, tuberculosis, lymphoma, Crohn disease and others.
 

What are the symptoms of protein-losing enteropathy?

Symptoms of protein-losing enteropathy can include swelling of extremities, swelling of the abdomen, feeding intolerance, fever and diarrhea, among others.
 

What are protein-losing enteropathy care options?

Since protein-losing enteropathy is almost always tied to another medical condition, treating the underlying condition is often the key to resolving the issues related to protein-losing enteropathy. These treatments often include medications, dietary changes and surgery.

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Reviewed by: Shifra A Koyfman, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM