Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE) is a condition that occurs when albumin and other protein materials leak into the intestine. This condition is related to abnormalities in the way that the lymphatic system behaves. Protein-Losing Enteropathy causes specific symptoms in patients that suffer from it, such as problems with low electrolyte levels in the body, trouble with coagulation of the blood, and problems with T-cells and immune function.
The most common symptoms of Protein-Losing Enteropathy are:
This condition can increase the risk of poor surgical outcomes or lead to death in some patients.
This condition is linked with more than 60 other diseases and disorders that can affect patients. These conditions are primary to PLE and often are the trigger for the symptoms of this disorder. Things like inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal lymphangiectasia, lymphatic congestion, heart disease, various cancers, and other digestive diseases can all cause PLE. More study into the causes of this disease is being done since some of the causal links that lead to symptoms being expressed are still not well understood.
The risk factors for PLE are:
The underlying condition related to PLE needs to be diagnosed in most patients in order to treat the symptoms of PLE and the root cause. Many of these patients have liver disease, kidney conditions, malabsorption issues, or gastric infections that have led to the expression of the PLE symptoms. Doctors often see patients on an emergency basis for this disorder, and the medical emergency is treated first and foremost.
Imaging tests like MRI, CT scans, or X-rays can help to identify the root cause of the PLE symptoms. Endoscopy, enteroscopy, or colonoscopy can also be helpful in diagnosing this condition. Blood, urine, and stool tests are also often used to measure the protein levels in the blood and confirm PLE.
Treatment for this condition requires that underlying conditions are treated and managed. Symptoms can be regulated through the use of diuretics, steroids, and anti-inflammatories. These patients often need to change their diet to limit fats and increase protein in the diet. Protein can be infused into the blood through an IV as well. Patients with lymphatic issues can be treated with lymphatic embolization to help seal leaky lymphatic vessels in the body.
Since there are many underlying conditions that can lead to PLE, patients will need to follow the care guidelines and treatment protocols related to their underlying health challenges in order to also manage the symptoms of PLE. Patients usually need to work with many different specialists for the treatment of their health conditions that are leading to PLE. Some patients will be hospitalised during the initial first acute stage of treatment and then will need to begin working with different aftercare specialists to help them to maintain their well-being outside of the hospital.
Prevention of this condition is not usually possible. PLE is caused by a more significant underlying condition that some patients are not even aware that they are suffering from. In patients with acute symptoms or acute underlying health conditions, management of the original health issue is key to preventing PLE symptoms.