Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition caused primarily by inadequate protein intake, often occurring in settings of famine or limited food supply. Its name translates to "deposed child" in some African languages, reflecting its historical context of dietary deprivation. Symptoms begin with general fatigue and irritability and can progress to more severe indicators such as poor growth, apathy, edema (swelling), and significant changes in skin and hair. Affected individuals may also experience infections due to compromised immune function.
Treatment involves addressing the immediate nutritional deficiencies, initially increasing calorie intake through carbohydrates and fats, followed by proteins, with essential vitamins and minerals. Early intervention can lead to positive outcomes, although late-stage treatment may improve health but often leaves lasting physical and cognitive impairments. Without prompt treatment, kwashiorkor can be fatal, underscoring the importance of proper diet and nutrition education, especially in vulnerable populations.
Kwashiorkor
ALSO KNOWN AS: Malignant malnutrition, protein malnutrition, protein-calorie malnutrition, Mehl hrschaden
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Gastrointestinal system, muscles, skin
DEFINITION: A form of malnutrition caused by inadequate protein intake
CAUSES: Protein deprivation
SYMPTOMS: Fatigue, irritability, lethargy, poor growth, apathy, edema, decreased muscle mass, large belly, diarrhea, dermatitis, loss of skin pigmentation, changes in color and texture of hair, infections; may progress to shock, coma, and death
DURATION: Progressive if untreated
TREATMENTS: Depends on degree of malnutrition; may include treatment for shock and increased calorie intake (first as carbohydrates, simple sugars, and fats, then proteins)
Causes and Symptoms
Kwashiorkor occurs most commonly in areas of famine, limited food supply, and low levels of education, which can lead to inadequate knowledge of diet and appropriate dietary intakes. Early symptoms are general and include fatigue, irritability, and lethargy. As protein deprivation continues, symptoms include failure to gain weight and linear growth. Other progressed symptoms include apathy, decreased muscle mass, edema, a large protuberant belly (resulting from decreased albumin in the blood), diarrhea, and dermatitis. Skin may lose pigment where it has peeled away or darken where it has been irritated or traumatized. Hair may become thin and brittle and may change color, becoming lighter or reddish. As a result of damage, patients may suffer from increased numbers of infections and increased severity of what normally might be mild infections. In the final stages, shock and/or usually precede death.
Treatment and Therapy
A may show an enlarged liver and generalized edema. Treatment varies depending on the degree of malnutrition. Patients in shock will require immediate treatment. Often, calories are given first in the form of carbohydrates, simple sugars, and fats. Proteins are started after other caloric sources have provided increased energy. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential. Many children will have developed intolerance to milk lactose (sugar intolerance) and will need to be supplemented with lactase (an enzyme) if they are to benefit from milk products. Adequate diet with appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, fat, and protein will prevent kwashiorkor.
Perspective and Prospects
Kwashiorkor means “deposed child” in one African dialect, referring to a child “deposed” from the mother’s breast by a newborn sibling. Kwashiorkor is found largely in tropical and subtropical regions where the diet is high in starch (such as cereal grains or plantains) and low in protein. Treatment early in the course of kwashiorkor generally produces positive results. Treatment in later stages will improve a child’s general health, but the child may be left with permanent physical ailments and mental disabilities. With delayed or no treatment, the condition is fatal.
Bibliography
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