Kwashiorkor

definition

Kwashiorkor is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in developing countries. It is a form of malnutrition caused by not getting enough protein in your diet.

Every cell in your body contains protein. You need protein in your diet for your body to repair cells and make new cells. A healthy body regenerates cells in this manner constantly. Protein is also important for growth during childhood and pregnancy.

Foods that contain protein include meat, milk, cheese, fish, eggs, soy, beans, nuts, seeds, and some types of grains like quinoa.

This condition is rarely found in the United States.

Children who develop kwashiorkor may not grow or develop properly. It is a very serious condition and can be life-threatening if not treated.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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 usually a sign of child abuse  and severe neglect.

Symptoms

• Changes in skin pigment
• Decreased 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
• Loss of muscle mass
• Rash (dermatitis)
• Shock (late stage)
• Swelling (edema)

diagnosed

Your doctor may notice an enlarged liver and swelling (edema) if you or your child has kwashiorkor. They may order tests to measure a patient’s level of protein and sugar in the blood. These tests are usually done on a blood or urine sample.

Other tests may be performed on your blood and/or urine to measure signs of malnutrition and lack of protein such as muscle breakdown, and to assess kidney function, overall health, and growth. These tests include:

·         arterial blood gas

·         blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

·         blood levels of creatinine

·         blood levels of potassium

·         urinalysis

·         complete blood count (CBC)

treated

Kwashiorkor can be corrected by eating more protein and more calories overall, especially if treatment is started early.

You may first be given more calories in the form of carbohydrates, sugars, and fats. Once these calories provide energy, you are given foods with proteins. Foods must be introduced and calories should be increased slowly because you have been without proper nutrition for a long period, and your body may need to adjust to the increased intake.

Your doctor will also recommend vitamin and mineral supplements.

Complications

Even with treatment, children who have had kwashiorkor may never reach their full growth and height potential. If treatment comes too late, a child may have permanent physical and mental problems.

If left untreated, the condition can lead to coma, shock, or death.

Reference:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002571/

http://www.healthline.com/health/kwashiorkor