Protein-losing enteropathy is an abnormal loss of protein from the digestive tract or the inability of the digestive tract to absorb proteins.

Causes

There are many causes of protein-losing enteropathy. Any condition that causes serious inflammation in the intestines can lead to protein loss. Some of the more common causes are:

• Bacteria or parasite infection of the intestines
• Celiac sprue
• Crohn's disease
• Lymphoma

Symptoms

Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Symptoms depend on the underlying disease that is causing the protein-losing enteropathy.

Exams and Tests

Imaging tests may be done to see if there is a problem in the intestinal tract. This may include an CT scan of the abdomen or an upper GI bowel series.

Other tests that may be done include:

• Colonoscopy
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Stool alpha-1-antitrypsin test

Treatment

The health care provider will treat the condition that caused protein-losing enteropathy.