Protein energy malnutrition (patient information)

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Protein energy malnutrition

Overview

Causes

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment options

Possible complications

When to contact a medical professional

Prevention

Alternative names

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omodamola Aje B.Sc, M.D. [2]

## Overview[edit | edit source]

Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet.

## Causes[edit | edit source]

Kwashiorkor is most common in areas where there is:

* Famine
* Limited food supply
* Low levels of education (when people do not understand how to eat a proper diet)

This disease is more common in very poor countries. It often occurs during a drought or other natural disaster, or during political unrest. These conditions are responsible for a lack of food, which leads to malnutrition.

Kwashiorkor is very rare in children in the United States. There are only isolated cases. However, one government estimate suggests that as many as 50% of elderly people in nursing homes in the United States do not get enough protein in their diet.

When kwashiorkor does occur in the United States, it is most often a sign of child abuse and severe neglect.

## Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms include:

* Changes in skin pigmentation
* Loss of muscle mass
* Diarrhea
* Failure to gain weight and grow
* Fatigue
* Hair changes (change in color or texture)
* Increased and more severe infections due to damaged immune system
* Irritability
* Large belly that sticks out (protrudes)
* Lethargy or apathy
* Rash (dermatitis)
* Shock (late finding)
* Swelling (edema)

## Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The physical exam may show an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and general swelling. Tests may include:

* Arterial blood gas
* BUN
* Complete blood count (CBC)
* Creatinine clearance
* Serum creatinine
* Serum potassium
* Total protein levels
* Urinalysis

## Treatment[edit | edit source]

Getting more calories and protein will correct kwashiorkor, if treatment is started early enough. However, children who have had this condition will never reach their full potential for height and growth.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. People who are in shock need treatment right away to restore blood volume and maintain blood pressure. Calories are given first in the form of carbohydrates, simple sugars, and fats. Proteins are started after other sources of calories have already provided energy. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential.

Since the person will have been without much food for a long period of time, eating can cause problems, especially if the calories are too high at first. Food must be reintroduced slowly.

Many malnourished children will develop intolerance to milk sugar (lactose intolerance). They will need to be given supplements with the enzyme lactase so that they can tolerate milk products.

## Outlook (Prognosis)[edit | edit source]

Getting treatment early generally leads to good results. Treating kwashiorkor in its late stages will improve the child's general health. However, the child may be left with permanent physical and mental problems. If treatment is not given or comes too late, this condition is life threatening. Possible Complications

## Complications[edit | edit source]

Complications may include:

* Coma
* Permanent mental and physical disability
* Shock

## When to Contact a Medical Professional[edit | edit source]

Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of kwashiorkor.

## Prevention[edit | edit source]

To prevent kwashiorkor, make sure the diet has enough carbohydrates, fat (at least 10% of total calories), and protein (12% of total calories).

## Alternative Names[edit | edit source]

Protein malnutrition; Protein-calorie malnutrition; Malignant malnutrition