Two Infants Applying with Anasarca-Type Edema: Protein-Losing Enteropathy

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is characterized by the development of hypoproteinemia and the loss of serum proteins from the gastrointestinal system. It can be complicated with edema, acid, malnutrition, and pleural and pericardial effusion. PLE is rare but has many causes. The reasons can be grouped as erosive and non-erosive gastrointestinal diseases, diseases characterized by central venous pressure increase, and diseases characterized by the development of mesenteric lymphatic obstruction. A PLE diagnosis should be made for the patient who presents with hypoproteinemia after excluding other disorders causing malnutrition, proteinuria and impaired protein synthesis. Treatment consists of a supportive treatment that includes dietary modifi cation. This paper presents two infants who developed anasarca-type edema following different causes and were diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy due to different etiologies.