Kwashiorkor: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Kwashiorkor | |||
| image = [[File:Starved_girl.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A child with kwashiorkor | |||
| field = [[Pediatrics]], [[Nutrition]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Edema]], [[irritability]], [[anorexia (symptom)|anorexia]], [[ulcerating dermatoses]], [[enlarged liver]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[shock (circulatory)|shock]], [[coma]] | |||
| onset = Typically after [[weaning]] | |||
| duration = Variable, depending on treatment | |||
| causes = [[Protein deficiency]] | |||
| risks = [[Malnutrition]], [[poverty]], [[famine]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[blood test]] | |||
| differential = [[Marasmus]], [[anemia]], [[liver disease]] | |||
| prevention = Adequate [[dietary protein]] intake | |||
| treatment = [[Nutritional rehabilitation]], [[dietary supplements]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment, poor without | |||
| frequency = Common in areas of [[famine]] and [[poverty]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Kwashiorkor''' is a severe form of [[malnutrition]] that primarily affects children living in regions where there is a shortage of quality food rich in protein.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Severe Malnutrition: Report of a Consultation to Review Current Literature |journal=Public Health |volume=4 |issue=5 |pages=1-16 |year=2005 |doi=10.1186/1471-2458-5-8 |last1=Waterlow |first1=J.C.}}</ref> The condition occurs when a child's diet lacks adequate sources of protein, even though the overall calorie intake may be sufficient. Kwashiorkor is more common in areas of drought and famine, where access to balanced meals is limited. | '''Kwashiorkor''' is a severe form of [[malnutrition]] that primarily affects children living in regions where there is a shortage of quality food rich in protein.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Severe Malnutrition: Report of a Consultation to Review Current Literature |journal=Public Health |volume=4 |issue=5 |pages=1-16 |year=2005 |doi=10.1186/1471-2458-5-8 |last1=Waterlow |first1=J.C.}}</ref> The condition occurs when a child's diet lacks adequate sources of protein, even though the overall calorie intake may be sufficient. Kwashiorkor is more common in areas of drought and famine, where access to balanced meals is limited. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
Kwashiorkor is caused by inadequate protein intake, often coupled with other micronutrient deficiencies. This condition is most prevalent in regions of the world where there is a scarcity of high-protein food, such as regions experiencing famine or areas where the staple diet is high in carbohydrates and low in protein.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Protein Energy Malnutrition |journal=Pediatrics in Review |volume=24 |issue=5 |pages=154-162 |year=2003 |doi=10.1542/pir.24-5-154 |last1=Gernaat |first1=H.B.P.E.}}</ref> | Kwashiorkor is caused by inadequate protein intake, often coupled with other micronutrient deficiencies. This condition is most prevalent in regions of the world where there is a scarcity of high-protein food, such as regions experiencing famine or areas where the staple diet is high in carbohydrates and low in protein.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Protein Energy Malnutrition |journal=Pediatrics in Review |volume=24 |issue=5 |pages=154-162 |year=2003 |doi=10.1542/pir.24-5-154 |last1=Gernaat |first1=H.B.P.E.}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Kwashiorkor 6180.jpg|thumb|Kwashiorkor 6180]] | [[File:Kwashiorkor 6180.jpg|left|thumb|Kwashiorkor 6180]] | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Children with kwashiorkor typically exhibit swollen and distended bellies due to fluid retention ([[edema]]), a condition known as ascites. Other symptoms may include muscle wasting, skin and hair changes (like lighter hair color and flaky or rashy skin), lethargy, and a failure to grow or gain weight.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kumar |first=Vinay |title=Robbins Basic Pathology |publisher=Elsevier |location=Philadelphia, PA |year=2018 |isbn=978-0-323-35317-5}}</ref> | Children with kwashiorkor typically exhibit swollen and distended bellies due to fluid retention ([[edema]]), a condition known as ascites. Other symptoms may include muscle wasting, skin and hair changes (like lighter hair color and flaky or rashy skin), lethargy, and a failure to grow or gain weight.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kumar |first=Vinay |title=Robbins Basic Pathology |publisher=Elsevier |location=Philadelphia, PA |year=2018 |isbn=978-0-323-35317-5}}</ref> | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of kwashiorkor is primarily clinical, based on the presence of edema, growth failure, changes in skin and hair, and a history of inadequate protein intake. Laboratory tests may show low levels of serum proteins, particularly albumin, but these tests are not necessary for the diagnosis.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Protein energy malnutrition |journal=Indian Journal of Medical Research |volume=141 |issue=3 |pages=312-325 |year=2015 |doi=10.4103/0971-5916.159576 |last1=Bhutta |first1=Z.A.}}</ref> | The diagnosis of kwashiorkor is primarily clinical, based on the presence of edema, growth failure, changes in skin and hair, and a history of inadequate protein intake. Laboratory tests may show low levels of serum proteins, particularly albumin, but these tests are not necessary for the diagnosis.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Protein energy malnutrition |journal=Indian Journal of Medical Research |volume=141 |issue=3 |pages=312-325 |year=2015 |doi=10.4103/0971-5916.159576 |last1=Bhutta |first1=Z.A.}}</ref> | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The management of kwashiorkor involves the gradual introduction of a balanced diet, starting with fluids and gradually introducing higher-protein foods. During the initial phase, care must be taken to avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that can occur when malnourished individuals are fed too quickly.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Guidelines for the inpatient treatment of severely malnourished children |journal=Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=217-225 |year=2005 |last1=Ashworth |first1=A.}}</ref> Micronutrient supplements and medications may be used to treat any accompanying conditions or deficiencies. | The management of kwashiorkor involves the gradual introduction of a balanced diet, starting with fluids and gradually introducing higher-protein foods. During the initial phase, care must be taken to avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that can occur when malnourished individuals are fed too quickly.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Guidelines for the inpatient treatment of severely malnourished children |journal=Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=217-225 |year=2005 |last1=Ashworth |first1=A.}}</ref> Micronutrient supplements and medications may be used to treat any accompanying conditions or deficiencies. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
With timely and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for children with kwashiorkor is generally good. However, some children may experience long-term complications, such as stunted growth and developmental delays, if treatment is not received promptly.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Long-term follow-up showed improved growth status in young children with mild to moderate persistent malnutrition |journal=Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition |volume=58 |issue=1 |pages=101-107 |year=2014 |doi=10.1097/MPG.0b013e31829c800d |last1=Ong |first1=KK}}</ref> | With timely and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for children with kwashiorkor is generally good. However, some children may experience long-term complications, such as stunted growth and developmental delays, if treatment is not received promptly.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Long-term follow-up showed improved growth status in young children with mild to moderate persistent malnutrition |journal=Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition |volume=58 |issue=1 |pages=101-107 |year=2014 |doi=10.1097/MPG.0b013e31829c800d |last1=Ong |first1=KK}}</ref> | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Prevention of kwashiorkor involves ensuring that children have access to a balanced diet that includes sufficient protein. This often requires efforts at a community or national level to address the underlying issues of food security and poverty. Education about the importance of a balanced diet can also play a significant role.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Prevention and control of childhood malnutrition: the role of education of mothers |journal=Child Care Health and Development |volume=32 |issue=5 |pages=569-576 |year=2006 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2214.2006.00620.x |last1=Senbanjo |first1=IO}}</ref> | Prevention of kwashiorkor involves ensuring that children have access to a balanced diet that includes sufficient protein. This often requires efforts at a community or national level to address the underlying issues of food security and poverty. Education about the importance of a balanced diet can also play a significant role.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Prevention and control of childhood malnutrition: the role of education of mothers |journal=Child Care Health and Development |volume=32 |issue=5 |pages=569-576 |year=2006 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2214.2006.00620.x |last1=Senbanjo |first1=IO}}</ref> | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Protein-energy malnutrition]] | * [[Protein-energy malnutrition]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:54, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
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| Kwashiorkor | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Edema, irritability, anorexia, ulcerating dermatoses, enlarged liver |
| Complications | Infection, shock, coma |
| Onset | Typically after weaning |
| Duration | Variable, depending on treatment |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Protein deficiency |
| Risks | Malnutrition, poverty, famine |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, blood test |
| Differential diagnosis | Marasmus, anemia, liver disease |
| Prevention | Adequate dietary protein intake |
| Treatment | Nutritional rehabilitation, dietary supplements |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment, poor without |
| Frequency | Common in areas of famine and poverty |
| Deaths | N/A |
Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition that primarily affects children living in regions where there is a shortage of quality food rich in protein.<ref>,
Severe Malnutrition: Report of a Consultation to Review Current Literature, Public Health, 2005, Vol. 4(Issue: 5), pp. 1-16, DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-5-8,</ref> The condition occurs when a child's diet lacks adequate sources of protein, even though the overall calorie intake may be sufficient. Kwashiorkor is more common in areas of drought and famine, where access to balanced meals is limited.
Etiology[edit]
Kwashiorkor is caused by inadequate protein intake, often coupled with other micronutrient deficiencies. This condition is most prevalent in regions of the world where there is a scarcity of high-protein food, such as regions experiencing famine or areas where the staple diet is high in carbohydrates and low in protein.<ref>,
Protein Energy Malnutrition, Pediatrics in Review, 2003, Vol. 24(Issue: 5), pp. 154-162, DOI: 10.1542/pir.24-5-154,</ref>
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Children with kwashiorkor typically exhibit swollen and distended bellies due to fluid retention (edema), a condition known as ascites. Other symptoms may include muscle wasting, skin and hair changes (like lighter hair color and flaky or rashy skin), lethargy, and a failure to grow or gain weight.<ref>Vinay,
Robbins Basic Pathology, Philadelphia, PA:Elsevier, 2018, ISBN 978-0-323-35317-5,</ref>
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of kwashiorkor is primarily clinical, based on the presence of edema, growth failure, changes in skin and hair, and a history of inadequate protein intake. Laboratory tests may show low levels of serum proteins, particularly albumin, but these tests are not necessary for the diagnosis.<ref>,
Protein energy malnutrition, Indian Journal of Medical Research, 2015, Vol. 141(Issue: 3), pp. 312-325, DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.159576,</ref>
Treatment[edit]
The management of kwashiorkor involves the gradual introduction of a balanced diet, starting with fluids and gradually introducing higher-protein foods. During the initial phase, care must be taken to avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that can occur when malnourished individuals are fed too quickly.<ref>,
Guidelines for the inpatient treatment of severely malnourished children, Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005, Vol. 14(Issue: 2), pp. 217-225,</ref> Micronutrient supplements and medications may be used to treat any accompanying conditions or deficiencies.
Prognosis[edit]
With timely and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for children with kwashiorkor is generally good. However, some children may experience long-term complications, such as stunted growth and developmental delays, if treatment is not received promptly.<ref>,
Long-term follow-up showed improved growth status in young children with mild to moderate persistent malnutrition, Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2014, Vol. 58(Issue: 1), pp. 101-107, DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e31829c800d,</ref>
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of kwashiorkor involves ensuring that children have access to a balanced diet that includes sufficient protein. This often requires efforts at a community or national level to address the underlying issues of food security and poverty. Education about the importance of a balanced diet can also play a significant role.<ref>,
Prevention and control of childhood malnutrition: the role of education of mothers, Child Care Health and Development, 2006, Vol. 32(Issue: 5), pp. 569-576, DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2006.00620.x,</ref>
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
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