Gastrointestinal protein loss in the nephrotic syndrome studied with 51Cr-albumin

Gastrointestinal protein loss was studied by intravenous application of 51Cr-albumin and the measurement of fecal excretion of 51Cr. As compared to controls, fecal excretion of 51Cr was largely increased in 28 patients with nephrotic syndrome due to glomerular disease and in 11 patients with hypoproteinemia in the course of different gastrointestinal disorders. It was not increased in nephrotic patients without primary glomerular disease and in renal insufficiency without nephrotic syndrome. Controversial data of the literature are discussed with regard to different methods and patient groups.