Protein-calorie malnutrition. A study of 160 cases
Magotra, M.L.; Sircar, P.K.; Katira, O.P.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics 43(336): 10-14
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5456 PMID: 819362 Document Number: 100643
Protein-energy malnutrition was studied in 160 children, mean age 21 months, in Pune. Of the children 8, mean age 28 months, had kwashiorkor, 32, mean age 18 months, had marasmus, 50, mean age 45 months, had marasmic kwashiorkor and 70, mean age 20 months, were considered undernourished. The first 90 were studied in more detail. Their average protein intake was 1.7 g/kg bodyweight daily and the protein was mostly of low biological value. Growth retardation was present in all 90, and vitamin A deficiency in 34. Hair changes were seen in 4 of the 8 with kwashiorkor, and in 13 of the 50 with marasmic kwashiorkor. Irrespective of the presence of hair changes, Cu in hair and Cu and ceruloplasmin in blood were low in the children with kwashiorkor. Skin changes of varying degrees were seen in 19 of the 90 children. The mean Hb values were in kwashiorkor 7.1, in marasmus 6.5 and in marasmic kwashiorkor 6.7 g/100 ml. In serum mean total protein was 4.52, 6.42 and 5.31 [g/100 ml], respectively. Worm infestation was high; ascariasis was found in 48 children, ankylostomiasis in 13 and giardiasis in 10.