Protein malnutrition; Protein-calorie malnutrition; Malignant malnutrition DefinitionKwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet. CausesKwashiorkor is most common in areas where there is:
This disease is more common in very poor countries. It may occur during:
These events often lead to a lack of food, causing malnutrition. Kwashiorkor is rare in children in the United States. There are only isolated cases. However, one government estimate suggests that as many as half of older age people living 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. SymptomsSymptoms include:
Exams and TestsThe physical exam may show an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and general bodily swelling. Tests may include:
TreatmentPeople who start early treatment can recover fully. The goal is to get more calories and protein into their diet. Children with the disease cannot reach their complete height and growth. 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 will be given. Food must be restarted slowly since the person has been without much food for a long period of time. Suddenly eating high-calorie foods can cause problems. 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. People who are in shock need treatment right away to restore blood volume and maintain blood pressure. Outlook (Prognosis)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 ComplicationsComplications may include: When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your health care provider if your child has symptoms of kwashiorkor. PreventionTo prevent kwashiorkor, make sure your diet has enough carbohydrates, fat (at least 10% of total calories), and protein (12% of total calories). ReferencesAshworth A. Nutrition, food security, and health. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 57. Manary MJ, Trehan I. Severe malnutrition. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 197. | |
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Review Date: 2/17/2024 Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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Kwashiorkor sympto...
