Which of the following are clinical signs of protein-losing enteropathy?

• A. Ascites
• B. Pleural effusion
• C. Edema
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Protein-losing enteropathy causes loss of albumin and other proteins into the gut, leading to low serum albumin and thus decreased plasma oncotic pressure. When oncotic pressure falls, fluid shifts from the intravascular space into interstitial and body cavity spaces. This can produce edema in tissues, ascites in the abdomen, and pleural effusions in the chest. Since all of these fluid accumulations can occur with protein loss, all of the above are clinical signs of protein-losing enteropathy.