Kwashiorkor
Alternative Names
Protein malnutrition; Protein-calorie malnutrition; Malignant malnutrition; Mehlä hrschadenSymptoms
- Failure to gain weight and failure of linear growth
- Irritability
- Lethargy or apathy
- Decreased muscle mass
- Swelling (edema)
- Large belly that stick out (protrudes)
- Diarrhea
- Dermatitis
- Changes in skin pigment; may lose pigment where the skin has peeled away (desquamated) and the skin may darken where it has been irritated or traumatized
- Hair changes -- hair color may change, often lightening or becoming reddish, thin, or brittle
- Iincreased and more severe infections due to damaged immune system
- Shock (late stage)
- Coma (late stage)
Exams and Tests
The physical examination may show an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and general swelling.
Tests may include:
- Urinalysis
- Serum creatinine
- Creatinine clearance
- BUN
- Serum potassium
- Arterial blood gas
- Total protein levels
- CBC (complete blood count) -- may show anemia
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