Protein-Losing Enteropathy Treatment & Management

Updated: Dec 10, 2019
  • Author: Naeem Aslam, MD; Chief Editor: Burt Cagir, MD, FACS  more...
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Treatment

Medical Care

Focus treatment on correcting the underlying process causing the protein-losing gastroenteropathy. [21] For example, the patient with congestive heart failure may respond to digitalis and diuretics, whereas the patient with intestinal parasites should be treated with the appropriate medication for the infestation.

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Surgical Care

Surgery for giant hypertrophic gastropathy (Ménétrier disease) and localized lymphatic obstruction has been suggested. [10] Surgical lymphovenous anastomosis may also be of benefit in these patients.

Eradicating Helicobacter pylori has also been shown to decrease gastric protein loss in some patients with giant hypertrophic gastropathy. [10]

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Diet

A low-fat diet with supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides is theoretically of benefit in patients with lymphangiectasias. However, in practice, ingesting a diet containing medium-chain triglycerides results in increased blood flow with no reduction in fecal protein loss. [32, 33]

Patients with celiac sprue typically respond to a gluten-free diet. A minority requires corticosteroids.

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