A Rare Case Report of Life-Threatening Severe Protein-LosingGastroenteropathy

Authors

  • Maheep Sangha Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA Author
  • Colleen Kelly Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA Author
  • Ahmed Shahab Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JGHR/2021(2)114

Keywords:

Crohn’s Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Protein-losing enteropathy, Vedoluzimab

Abstract

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.

Author Biographies

  • Maheep Sangha, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA


    Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA 

  • Colleen Kelly, Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA

    Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA

  • Ahmed Shahab, Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA


    Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

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Published

2021-05-31

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2021): Volume 2 Issue 2

Section

Articles