prevention of kwashiorkor and marasmus


Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency.It can occur in anyone with severe malnutrition but usually occurs in children. As the condition progresses, recovery becomes more difficult, and the chances of survival reduce. Complications of untreated marasmus can be serious and may include: Lab values are taken to construct an appropriate treatment plan. Children typically have a depletion of body fat stores, low weight for height, and reduced mid-upper arm circumference. It happens when the intake of nutrients and energy is too low for a person’s needs. Marasmus affects kids because of a lack of nutritional elements in the diet. Stress may be a response to a negative change in a child’s life. Electrolytes: Hyponatremia is evident. It leads to wasting, or the loss of body fat and muscle. In these cases, management is divided into an initial intensive phase followed by a consolidation phase (rehabilitation), preparing for outpatient follow-up management. – show signs of wasting in areas of the body, – have excessive fluid buildup in other parts. UNICEF estimate that nearly half of all deaths in children under the age of 5 years, or around 3 million each year, resulting from a lack of nutrition. Prevention and rehabilitation: PEM is a preventable disease. This leads to 62% low body weight with respect to height and age. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Kwashiorkor occurs as an acute process in which the body fails to implement compensation mechanisms. Why Do I Have Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles? Kwashiorkor and marasmus are two advanced forms of protein-calorie malnutrition. Diarrhea can also be a contributing cause of marasmus. © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. It is a form of malnutrition caused by the deficiency of proteins and calories, as a result of which there is a very limited amount of energy available leading to malfunctions in vital organs of the body. Apart from weight loss, long-term effects of marasmus in children include slow growth and repeated infections. Prevention and Control: The prevention and control of marasmus are as follows: --> Supply digestible diet rich in protein, calories and other dietary essentials in required amount to pregnant and lactating mother and children. Marasmus is a type of wasting. Start studying Nutrition 11 Kwashiorkor & Marasmus. In the initiation of renutrition or in association with diarrhea or infection, a significant risk of profound and even fatal hypoglycemia occurs. Complete recovery can take a month together even with proper diet and medication. Lack of proper nutrition can lead to delays in physical and mental development. WHO ‘strongly’ against hydroxychloroquine use for COVID-19 prevention. Prevention and Control: The prevention and control of marasmus are as follows: --> Supply digestible diet rich in protein, calories and other dietary essentials in required amount to pregnant and lactating mother and children. A nutritious, well-balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and protein will reduce the risk of malnutrition and any related marasmus. Kwashiorkor is another form of serious malnutrition. gy malnutrition are Marasmus and Kwashiorkor. Rapid weight loss, infections, and sudden changes in behavior or appetite could be signs of an underlying problem, such as an eating disorder or a chronic health condition. How can people naturally increase human growth hormone? Scrimshaw NS, Viteri FE. gy malnutrition are Marasmus and Kwashiorkor. Not having enough nutrition or having too little food. Poor sanitation and hygiene can lead to infections that can worsen the symptoms of marasmus and other types of malnutrition and make it harder to recover. But some people with marasmus will have anorexia, and they will not want or be able to eat. However, if breastfeeding continues for longer than 6 months without an infant receiving solid food, the risk of marasmus can also increase, especially if the mother is malnourished herself. Find out more here. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). They are not two different diseases with different dietary aetiology but two facets of the same disease. Unlike Kwashiorkor, Marasmus is malnutrition that is characterized by a deficiency of energy. In the early stages of the disease, treatment revolves around providing an adequate diet for the child, with more calories and protein. Other clinical manifestations are as follows: In places where food can be scarce, breastfeeding infants for as long as possible may help reduce the risk of malnutrition. Hypothermia and hypoglycemia in infants is more frequent due to underdeveloped systems. Treatment of kwashiorkor. The treatment involves slow increases in calories from carbohydrates, sugars, and fats, followed by protein. 31(1):34-41.. Spoelstra MN, Mari A, Mendel M, Senga E, van Rheenen P, van Dijk TH, et al. The larynx is located in the throat and helps with breathing and making vocal sounds. – show signs of wasting in areas of the body. Marasmus is known as the wasting syndrome (malnutrition without edema). It is characterized by decreased anthropometric mea- surements and is usually well toler- ated in the absence of stress, unless it is severe. Impaired glucose clearance in marasmus is due to compromised pancreatic beta cell function. The egg fast is a version of the ketogenic diet. 10 Essential steps in managing severe … Management of moderate marasmus can be performed on an outpatient basis, but severe marasmus or marasmus complicated by a life-threatening condition generally requires inpatient treatment. Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are diseases of severe malnutrition. However, this will not compensate for the damage that has already been done to the growth and height potential of the child. Elevated levels of intracellular sodium in muscles, brain and blood cells. It is a form of malnutrition caused by the deficiency of proteins and calories, as a result of which there is a very limited amount of energy available leading to malfunctions in vital organs of the body. Prevention and Safety Measures for Marasmus Marasmus is a life-threatening nutrition deficiency disorder which may also lead to death if the symptoms are ignored. However, if breastfeeding continues for longer than 6 months without an infant receiving solid food, the risk of marasmus can also increase, especially if the mother is malnourished herself. Vitamin and mineral supplements and enzymes to help digest dairy products are often needed. Vegetables and fruits are essential for providing other nutrients and minerals and for preventing vitamin deficiencies. There are several health reasons why mothers should practise exclusive breastfeeding. Similarly, their bones become visible under their skin, and folds of skin develop from the loss of body mass. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The brain is usually preserved during marasmus. Marasmus and kwashiorkor. What are coronavirus variants? The above two diseases, which are kwashiorkor and marasmus, are the commonest among such deficiencies and is frequently occurs in infants and children between 1 – 5 years of age. Kwashiorkor and marasmus are both associated with impaired glucose clearance related to pancreatic ß-cell dysfunction. Examination of blood smears by microscopy: parasite detection is indicative of infection. Marasmic kwashiorkor is the third form of protein-energy malnutrition that combines features and symptoms of both marasmus and kwashiorkor. It was then that we realized how much the adverse impact of multiple cross-infections on the open ward prevented these children from gaining weight, even when their diet was adequate [19]. Treatment involves slow increases in calories from carbohydrates, sugars, and fats, followed by protein. Boiling water before drinking, cooking, or bathing in areas where clean water is difficult to access is essential to prevent spreading waterborne diseases. Tertiary prevention consists of nutritional rehabilitation of an established case. Marasmus patients suffer from a peeling and alternately pigmented skin. In the early stages of the disease, treatment revolves around providing an adequate diet for the child, with more calories and protein. There are important vaccines for infants that must not be missed. January 1988; DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4141.6803. Good sanitation and hygiene can play a role in marasmus, especially in places where there is not a regular supply of healthful food and clean water. Appropriate support and nutrition during pregnancy and in a child’s early years are essential for preventing malnutrition. Unlike marasmus, kwashiorkor causes the body to retain fluid in the lower legs, feet, arms, hands, and face, leading to a swollen appearance. Marasmic kwashiorkor is the third form of protein-energy malnutrition that combines features and symptoms of both marasmus and kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is a form of severe protein malnutrition characterized by edema and an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates. Foods rich in protein, such as skimmed milk, fish, eggs, and nuts are ideal for energy and growth, though any protein and calorie-rich food can be used to prevent marasmus, depending on what is available. If marasmus results from an eating disorder, a person is also likely to need mental health treatment and support. Why do some people believe health misinformation? Marasmic kwashiorkor is the third form of protein-energy malnutrition that combines features and symptoms of both marasmus and kwashiorkor. Marasmus is usually treated by adding vitamin B and following a nutritious diet in general. Foods rich in protein, such as skimmed milk, fish, eggs, and nuts are ideal for energy and growth, though any protein and calorie-rich food can be used to prevent marasmus, depending on what is available. Marasmus is not a very familiar name to many people, though the definition may be. Thymus and all other T lymphocyte–producing tissues are affected. Kwashiorkor is another severe form of protein-energy malnutrition where the main deficiency is protein. The infants are emaciated with loss of the subcutaneous fat and muscle. Infants with repeated bouts of gastroenteritis are particularly at risk. Marasmus is not a very familiar name to many people, though the definition may be. in our treatment of kwashiorkor or marasmus. Sometimes marasmus can affect an older adult who has not eaten healthfully over a period of some months or years, say the University of Kansas Landon Center on Aging. This leads to immunocompromised state. Marasmus is the result of caloric deprivation. Brain, skeleton and kidney are preserved, whereas the liver, heart, pancreas and digestive tract are first affected. Marasmus can also make children short-tempered and irritable, but this is usually a more common symptom of kwashiorkor. Foods rich in protein, such as skimmed milk, fish, eggs, and nuts are ideal for energy and growth, though any protein and calorie-rich food can be used to prevent marasmus, depending on what is available. Adaptations are seen by thyroid hormones, insulin and growth hormone. One solution is for doctors to provide food in small amounts and possibly through tubes to the veins and stomach. The above two diseases, which are kwashiorkor and marasmus, are the commonest among such deficiencies and is frequently occurs in infants and children between 1 – 5 years of age. Pediatric nutrition rehabilitation centers have been established in some countries and regions to coordinate treatment of malnourished children. Without these vital nutrients, energy levels become dangerously low and vital functions begin to stop. Marasmic-kwashiorkor: A combination of muscle wasting and bilateral edema. Immediate medical treatment is essential. Intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions, and nasogastric feeding tubes are forms of treatment that may be used. In children with marasmus kwashiorkor, the weight will be less than 60 percent of the standard weight for their age. UNICEF estimates that nearly half of all deaths in children under the age of 5 years, or around 3 million each year, resulting from a lack of nutrition. Potassium deficiency of up to 15 mEq/kg resulting in hypotonia and impaired cardiac function. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) or Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) is the result of the deficiency of the carbohydrates, fats and especially proteins. The reputed mechanism in kwashiorkor, and possibly marasmus, is related to pancreatic atrophy, fatty infiltration, and increased oxidative stress in beta cells. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Marasmus is not the only syndrome that results from severe malnutrition. If marasmus results from an eating disorder, a person is also likely to need mental health treatment and support. The skin is dry and loose. Appropriate support and nutrition during pregnancy and in a child’s early years are essential for preventing malnutrition. Diagnosis is based on the following lab tests: The best way to prevent marasmus is to have an adequate intake of calories and protein, preferably from a healthful, well-balanced diet. Kwashiorkor is another form of serious malnutrition. Both adults and children can have marasmus, but it most often affects young children in developing countries. Treatment of marasmus involves a special feeding and rehydration plan and close medical observation to prevent and manage complications of malnutrition. Metabolic adaptions in marasmus are similar to those in starvation. It is often seen in infants under 1-5 year of age most commonly in developing countries. Older adults who live alone and find it difficult to prepare food and care for themselves may be at risk. Viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. While consuming the wrong nutrients and having a health condition can contribute to marasmus, each of these alone would probably not be enough to cause it, as long as calories are available. Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS. Kwashiorkor patients are characterized by a distended stomach, burns on the skin and diarrhea. Doctors define acute malnutrition in three forms: Marasmus: A major weight loss and muscle wasting due to lack of nutrition and calories. Medtrend Health © 2020 All rights reserved. Consuming the wrong nutrients or too much of one and not enough of another. Treatment of kwashiorkor. Nitrogen and fat balance studies in children recover-ing from kwashiorkor and free of intestinal infection Treatment of Kwashiorkor and Marasmus-Administer amoxicillin or cefdinir to manage severe malnutrition to prevent sepsis -Follow 'WHO 10 steps protocols-Treatment composed of not only physical but also psychological aspect. Marasmus is a life-threatening medical emergency. Kwashiorkor is the result of severe malnutrition or lack of protein. However, results are rarely helpful and can also lead to inappropriate therapy. A child with marasmus may also be very hungry and suck on their clothes or hands as if looking for something to eat. Kwashiorkor vs Marasmus. Secretory functions of mucosal surfaces are impaired, decreased HCL production and slow peristalsis. Marasmus is considered a chronic process to which the patient gradually adapts. Other complications include bradycardia, hypotension, and hypothermia. But, someone with kwashiorkor may not have a particularly low weight, because the fluid buildup makes up for the loss in body fat and muscle tissue. More serious health problems can then result. not having enough nutrition or having too little food, consuming the wrong nutrients or too much of one and not enough of another, having a health condition that makes it difficult to absorb or process nutrients correctly, changes in hair color to yellow or orange, patches of skin turning unusually light or dark. Fat stores decrease up to 5% of the total body weight. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. In places where food can be scarce, breastfeeding infants for as long as possible may help reduce the risk of malnutrition. Their eyes may appear sunken. Secondary prevention is aimed at early detection and proper treatment. Other vitamin deficiencies (vitamin A, E or K). Having a health condition that makes it difficult to absorb or process nutrients correctly. The energy is diverted from muscles to the vital organs. Unlike marasmus, kwashiorkor causes the body to retain fluid in the lower legs, feet, arms, hands, and face, leading to a swollen appearance. Those born preterm or with low birth weight may also have a predisposition to malnutrition afterward. Also, a good sanitation and hygiene can play a role in marasmus, especially in places where there is not a regular supply of healthful food and clean water. Protein mass decreases up to 30% in the case of severe muscle fibers loss striations and become thin. The diet should include food such as meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, soy, and beans. In a child, the main symptom of marasmus is a failure to grow, known as stunted growth. Boiling water before drinking, cooking, or bathing in areas where clean water is difficult to access is essential to prevent spreading waterborne diseases. The reputed mechanism in kwashiorkor, and possibly marasmus, is related to pancreatic atrophy, fatty infiltration, and increased oxidative stress in beta cells. A medical professional will need to prepare a specific eating plan for anyone with a diagnosis of marasmus. Kwashiorkor needs immediate diagnosis and treatment, as it can quickly become life-threatening. Antibiotics Used in Treatment of Kwashiorkor, Marasmus Malnutrition February 4, 2013 This article is not so much for anyone I know – except, perhaps someone entering the Peace Corps – but to provide “closure” so to speak for an issue that I saw a lot of during my medical training (Vietnam War era). Marasmus is not the only syndrome that results from severe malnutrition. In the initiation of renutrition or in association with diarrhea or infection, a significant risk of profound and even fatal hypoglycemia occurs. An individual may also need treatment for the complications, such as infections and dehydration. Sometimes marasmus can affect an older adult who has not eaten healthfully over a period of some months or years. The decreased nutrition is usually secondary to weaning problems resulting from disease, poor hygiene, poverty, and cultural factors.