What is Protein Losing Enteropathy?

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a rare condition in which protein is lost from the body through the intestines. This can lead to low levels of protein in the blood (hypoproteinemia) and a range of other symptoms, including:

* Edema (swelling)

* Fatigue

* Weight loss

* Diarrhea

* Abdominal pain

* Nausea and vomiting

* Hair loss

* Dry skin

* Brittle nails

PLE can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

* Celiac disease

* Crohn's disease

* Ulcerative colitis

* Lymphoma

* Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

* Tropical sprue

* Whipple's disease

* Radiation enteritis

* Protein-losing enteropathy of unknown origin (PLEU)

PLE can be diagnosed with a variety of tests, including:

* Blood tests to measure protein levels

* Stool tests to look for protein in the stool

* Imaging tests to look for abnormalities in the intestines

* Endoscopy to look for damage to the small intestine

* Biopsy to take a sample of tissue from the small intestine

PLE is treated by treating the underlying cause of the condition. Treatment may also include:

* A diet high in protein

* Nutritional supplements

* Medications to reduce inflammation and diarrhea

* Surgery to remove damaged sections of the intestine