Protein losing enteropathy in measles

ABSTRACT

Serum and faecal alpha-1 antitrypsin concentration as well as alpha-1 antitrypsin clearance were measured in 10 malnourished children with measles, 10 well nourished children with measles, as well as 10 age matched normal Egyption children. Serum alpha 1-antitrypsin concentrations were significantly lower than normal in both groups of measles. The intestinal clearance of alpha-1 antitrypsin was significantly high in the malnourished group. The dual effect of measles [usually sever in PEM] and mal-nutrition on the intestinal mucosa makes it more permeable to plasma proteins