Protein-losing enteropathy in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Protein-loosing enteropathy in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is an uncommon complication, but should be considered in any patient with hypoproteinemia in whom other causes have been excluded such as concomitant hepatic disease, severe malnutrition or proteinuria. The diagnosis is based on determination of fecal alpha-1 antitripsin clearance and stool analysis. Prognosis depends upon the patient and the disease location, severity and complication. Treatment is directed at control of the underlying IBDs but also includes albumin infusion in the most severe cases of hypoalbuminemia and fluid retention, dietary modifications for recovery and maintenance of nutritional status and supportive care to prevent further complication like deep venous thrombosis. Surgery is not curative in Crohn's disease patients, but in severe protein-loosing enteropathy with severe disease, not responding to conventional therapy, it may be the best choice.