How is kwashiorkor diagnosed?

Diagnosing kwashiorkor Kwashiorkor can often be diagnosed based on a child’s physical appearance and questions about their diet and care. However, a blood test and urine test may be done to rule out other conditions. This can include tests to: measure blood sugar and protein levels.

How marasmus is diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose marasmus by physically examining your body. They generally check if your height and weight are appropriate for your age. In children, doctors measure the girth of the middle-upper arm to check for malnutrition. To rule out kwashiorkor, your doctor may also check whether you have edema.

What is the hallmark for kwashiorkor?

The hallmark of kwashiorkor is oedema. According to the ‘classical’ theory, an inadequate intake of protein leads to a low plasma albumin concentration, which in turn causes oedema.

What is kwashiorkor and its symptoms?

Kwashiorkor is a condition resulting from inadequate protein intake. Early symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and lethargy. As protein deprivation continues, one sees growth failure, loss of muscle mass, generalized swelling (edema), and decreased immunity. A large, protuberant belly is common.

What is apathy in kwashiorkor?

Children with kwashiorkor are apathetic, disinterested individuals with marked irritability. They may or may not have dark spots and peeling skin. Furthermore, prominent changes in the texture, color, strength, and resistance of the hair have been observed in these children.

What is PEM?

Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is defined as an unintentional loss of 10% or more of body weight in a period of six months or less and/or serum albumin levels of less than 3.5 grams per decilitre (g/dl) (Hudson et al., 2000).

What causes distended abdomen in kwashiorkor?

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition associated with a deficiency in dietary protein. The extreme lack of protein causes an osmotic imbalance in the gastrointestinal system causing swelling of the gut diagnosed as an edema or retention of water.

What is the pathophysiology of kwashiorkor?

Children with kwashiorkor were found to have profoundly low levels of albumin and, as a result, became intravascularly depleted. Subsequently, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases in response to hypovolemia, resulting in edema. Plasma renin also responds aggressively, causing sodium retention.