What sign might indicate intestinal protein loss beyond hypoalbuminemia?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Polyphagia
• C. Edema or ascites due to hypoalbuminemia
• D. Jaundice

Answer: (A)

Intestinal protein loss (protein-losing enteropathy) depletes circulating proteins from the gut, which not only lowers albumin but also robs the body of essential protein and energy. Weight loss reflects this nutritional depletion and ongoing loss of protein stores, making it a practical sign that protein is being lost from the gut beyond what a low albumin level already indicates. Edema or ascites result from hypoalbuminemia itself, not an additional sign, so they don’t point to the process beyond the lab finding. Jaundice would suggest a liver problem rather than intestinal protein loss, and polyphagia is not typical in this context.