Open AccessA Rare Case Report of Life-Threatening Severe Protein-Losing Gastroenteropathy
Author(s) -
Maheep Sangha,
Colleen Kelly,
Shadab Ahmed
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
DOI - 10.47363/jghr/2021(2)114
Subject(s) - protein losing enteropathy , collagenous colitis , enteropathy , medicine , gastroenterology , etiology , rare disease , complication , colitis , edema , disease , intensive care medicine
Protein-losing gastroenteropathy is a rare syndrome of protein loss from the gastrointestinal system. It manifests with hypoproteinemic edema, which may be due to either lymphatic leakage due to increased interstitial pressure or leakage of protein-rich fluids due to intestinal disorders. Our case describes a 65-year-old female with life-threatening protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) requiring multiple transfers to intensive care unit for vasopressor support. In this rare instance, her extensive initial workup did not reveal any etiology for PLE, but she was later found to have underlying Crohn’s colitis. Protein-losing enteropathy is an underdiagnosed complication of inflammatory bowel disease and must be considered while treating patients with colitis.