Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:25

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: December 27, 2024

Protein-losing enteropathy: integrating a new disease paradigm into recommendations for prevention and treatment

Jeffery Meadows1, Kathy Jenkins

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of California-San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-4144, USA. jeffery.meadows@ucsf.edu

Cardiology in the Young
|February 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Protein-losing enteropathy is a rare but burdensome complication after Fontan procedures for congenital heart disease. This study reviews current management strategies and knowledge gaps for this challenging condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is an uncommon complication following Fontan procedures for complex congenital cardiac disease.
  • PLE imposes significant medical, psychosocial, and financial burdens on patients, families, and healthcare systems.
  • Current understanding of PLE pathogenesis and pathophysiology in this population is limited, with few long-term successful treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a single institution's experience in evaluating, managing, and treating PLE in patients with congenital heart disease.
  • To provide a comprehensive review of PLE, focusing on current knowledge and uncertainties regarding its pathophysiology.
  • To offer suggestions for the prevention and treatment of PLE in this specific patient group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patient data from a single institution.
  • Review of existing literature on protein-losing enteropathy in congenital cardiac disease.
  • Clinical case review and treatment outcome assessment.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the evaluation and management approaches used at the institution.
  • Identification of key knowledge gaps in the pathophysiology and treatment of PLE.
  • Analysis of treatment outcomes, highlighting challenges in achieving long-term success.

Conclusions:

  • Protein-losing enteropathy remains a significant challenge post-Fontan procedure, necessitating further research.
  • A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for managing patients with PLE.
  • Future research should focus on elucidating pathophysiology to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

More Related Videos

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report05:10

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Overview of Protein Metabolism01:21

Overview of Protein Metabolism

Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care01:29

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...