Protein losing enteropathy: Diagnosis and management

Protein losing enteropathy (PLE) is an uncommon etiology of hypoproteinemia. It is caused by protein loss from compromised gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa as a result of GI mucosal diseases, GI tract infections, as well as from disruptions of venous and lymphatic outflow. The prevalence of PLE is poorly understood given the wide variety of causes of both hypoalbuminemia and PLE, and due to a lack of systematic screening. The evaluation of a potential PLE patient includes a careful assessment for alternative causes of hypoalbuminemia and a measurement of GI tract protein loss. This review provides the clinician with diagnostic criteria, as well as management and nutrition support options.