Protein-Losing Enteropathy Resolved by Helicobacter pylori Eradication
  • Bruno Sousa
    Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Rosa Alves
    Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Catarina Pestana Santos
    Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Tiago Judas Matos
    Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Lisbon, Portugal

Keywords

Protein losing-enteropathy, oedema, hypoalbuminaemia, Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLGE) is an uncommon condition with a multifactorial origin, that is characterized by excessive loss of serum proteins into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in hypoproteinaemia and oedema. 

The authors present the case of a 24-year-old man admitted to hospital for a 2-month history of lower extremity oedema and diarrhoea with a secretory pattern. Blood analysis revealed hypoalbuminaemia and iron deficiency anaemia. Liver disease and severe proteinuria were excluded as possible aetiologies. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed signs of chronic Helicobacter pylori gastritis. After completion of H. pylori eradication, the patient had complete resolution of clinical and laboratory abnormalities.

The results suggest the need to consider less frequent aetiologies for peripheral oedema and hypoproteinaemia, such as PLGE, especially those caused by prevalent bacterial agents like H. pylori. 

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    Published: 2022-05-26
    Issue: 2022: Vol 9 No 5 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Sousa B, Alves R, Pestana Santos C, Judas Matos T. Protein-Losing Enteropathy Resolved by Helicobacter pylori Eradication. EJCRIM 2022;9 doi:10.12890/2022_003312.