Protein-Losing Enteropathy Resolved by Helicobacter pylori Eradication

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLGE) is an uncommon condition with a multifactorial origin, that is characterized by excessive loss of serum proteins into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in hypoproteinaemia and oedema.  The authors present the case of a 24-year-old man admitted to hospital for a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of case reports in internal medicine 2022-05, Vol.9 (5), p.003312-003312
Main Authors: Sousa, Bruno, Alves, Rosa, Pestana Santos, Catarina, Judas Matos, Tiago
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
helicobacter pylori
hypoalbuminaemia
oedema
protein losing-enteropathy
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Protein-losing enteropathy (PLGE) is an uncommon condition with a multifactorial origin, that is characterized by excessive loss of serum proteins into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in hypoproteinaemia and oedema.  The authors present the case of a 24-year-old man admitted to hospital for a 2-month history of lower extremity oedema and diarrhoea with a secretory pattern. Blood analysis revealed hypoalbuminaemia and iron deficiency anaemia. Liver disease and severe proteinuria were excluded as possible aetiologies. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed signs of chronic Helicobacter pylori gastritis. After completion of H. pylori eradication, the patient had complete resolution of clinical and laboratory abnormalities. The results suggest the need to consider less frequent aetiologies for peripheral oedema and hypoproteinaemia, such as PLGE, especially those caused by prevalent bacterial agents like H. pylori. 
ISSN:2284-2594
2284-2594
DOI:10.12890/2022_003312