Pseudomembranous colitis can be induced by the therapeutic or prophylactic use of antibiotics, and antibiotics- induced colitis has become a severe clinical problem. Protein‐loosing enteropathy is associated with an abnormal, excessive loss of serum proteins into the gastrointestinal tract, and this leads to hypoproteinemia, including hypoalbuminemia, edema and diarrhea. We present here a case of protein‐loosing enteropathy that was induced by pseudomembranous colitis, and this was induced by the use of antibiotics. Patients with chronic renal disease and peritonitis show hypoalbuminemia and edema. We experienced a patient who displayed edema, hypoalbuminemia, diarrhea and a fever for several days after the use for antibiotics for treating his peritonitis. We made the diagnosis of protein-loosing enteropathy complicated by psuedomembranous colitis. In a patient with peritonitis, uncontrolled edema and diarrhea, and the patient's hypoalbuminemia is continued, we must consider the possibility that the patient has protein-loosing enteropathy, and we should examine the total protein level and the Ձ1‐antitrypsin clearance. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2008; 37:227-230)
Se Young Lee, M.D., Ju Chun Yeo, M.D., Young Deuk Youn, M.D., Sae Rom Kim, M.D., Young Lan Kwon, M.D., Hyon Uk Ryu, M.D., Jun Chul Kim, M.D., Myung Kwon Lee, M.D., Chang Keun Park, M.D. and Sang Mun Lee, M.D.
Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2006;33(5):307-312. Published online November 30, 2006
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare congenital cause of protein losing enteropathy that is characterized by chronic diarrhea, generalized edema, ascites, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and lymphopenia. We encountered an 18-year-old woman who suffered from longstanding diarrhea and progressive leg edema. The laboratory findings showed the typical features of this disorder. The presence of enteric protein loss was documented with the 24 hour fecal clearance of α1-antitrypsin and 99mTc human serum albumin scintigraphy. A duodenoscopy and biopsy showed scattered white spots and markedly dilated lymphatics in the tips of the villi, respectively. The patient's clinical symptoms improved after placing her on a high protein and low fat diet with medium chain triglyceride supplements. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2006;33:307312)