Which option best completes the statement: 'The following are clinical signs of PLE: ascites, pleural effusion, edema' ?

Which option best completes the statement: 'The following are clinical signs of PLE: ascites, pleural effusion, edema' ?

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

Answer: (D)

Protein-losing enteropathy causes loss of albumin in the gut, leading to hypoalbuminemia and reduced plasma oncotic pressure. With lower colloid osmotic pressure, fluid shifts from the intravascular space into interstitial spaces and body cavities, producing edema, ascites, and pleural effusions. Since all three can arise from the same mechanism, the best completion is all of the above.

Protein-losing enteropathy causes loss of albumin in the gut, leading to hypoalbuminemia and reduced plasma oncotic pressure. With lower colloid osmotic pressure, fluid shifts from the intravascular space into interstitial spaces and body cavities, producing edema, ascites, and pleural effusions. Since all three can arise from the same mechanism, the best completion is all of the above.