Intestinal giardiasis: an unusual cause for hypoproteinemia

Malabsorption is a well-known complication of infection with Giardia lamblia. However, selective protein-losing enteropathy is rare. We report a child with anasarca due to hypoalbuminemia as a result of gastrointestinal protein loss. Investigations established giardiasis as the etiology. The child returned to normal health after treatment with metronidazole.