Question
The diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy can be confirmed by:
| A. |
Hydrogen breath test |
| B. |
Fecal clearance of alpha-1 antitrypsin |
| C. |
Fecal ⁵¹Cr-labeled transthyretin level |
| D. |
Fecal calprotectin level |
Show Answer
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Correct Answer � B Explanation |
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Fecal clearance of alpha-1 antitrypsin:
- Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a condition characterized by excessive loss of plasma proteins into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a plasma protein resistant to enzymatic degradation in the GI tract. Measuring its clearance in the feces helps confirm the diagnosis of PLE. Elevated levels indicate protein loss through the intestines.
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Why this test is used:
- It is non-invasive and provides a reliable marker for GI protein loss without requiring radiolabeled substances or invasive procedures.
Reasons to Rule Out Other Options:
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(A) Hydrogen breath test:
- This test measures hydrogen gas exhalation to diagnose conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or carbohydrate malabsorption, not protein-losing enteropathy.
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(C) Fecal ⁵¹Cr-labeled transthyretin level:
- Although this method can quantify protein loss, it involves radioactive tracers, which are less practical and rarely used in clinical settings compared to alpha-1 antitrypsin clearance.
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(D) Fecal calprotectin level:
- This test is a marker for intestinal inflammation and is used to assess conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It does not directly measure protein loss.