Albumin metabolism in patients with Whipple's disease.

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Hypoalbuminemia is common in patients with Whipple''s disease in relapse. Seven patients with this disorder were studied for gastrointestinal protein loss by the use of albumin-51Cr. The results show that exudative gastroenteropathy is a significant factor in causing the hypoalbuminemia. In 4 patients the turnover of iodinated human serum albumin was determined; the results indicate that im -paired synthesis of albumin, absolute or relative, also contributes to the hypoalbuminemia. After induction of remissions of the Whipple''s disease with appropriate therapy the exudative gastroenteropathy was rapidly reversed. On 2 different occasions 1 patient in remission developed acute excessive gastrointestinal protein loss due apparently to reactions to the administration of Lugol''s solution. The possibility that other drugs may induce exudative gastroenteropathy should be considered.