Childhood Nutritional Disorder
Dr. Mansour ALQurashi
Introduction
- Malnutrition is a condition that develops when the body does not get the proper amount of protein, calories, vitamins, and other nutrients.
- It occurs in children who are either undernourished or overnourished.
- Children who are overnourished may become overweight or obese.
- Children who are undernourished are more likely to have severe long-term consequences.
Protein – Energy Malnutrition
| Aspect | Marasmus | Kwashiorkor |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Undernutrition due to inadequate caloric intake | Malnutrition due to deficient protein intake, high CHO diet, and vitamin/mineral deficiency |
| Incidence | Common in infants aged 6 months to 2 years | Common in toddlers aged 1-3 years, often post-weaning |
| Etiology | Dietary errors, infections, congenital anomalies, metabolic diseases, etc. | Unbalanced diet, improper weaning, faulty management, ignorance, poverty |
| Assessment | Failure to thrive, loss of subcutaneous fat, muscle wasting, G.I.T disturbances | Growth retardation, edema, diminished muscle fat ratio, fatty liver, mental changes |
| Complications | Intercurrent infections, gastroenteritis, hemorrhagic tendency, hypothermia | CVS issues, GIT atrophy, loss of immune function, endocrinopathies, metabolic disturbances |
| Investigations | Blood and urine analysis, stool analysis, X-ray, tuberculin test | Blood analysis, low pancreatic and intestinal enzymes, urine and stool analysis, chest X-ray |
| Prevention | Proper diet, breastfeeding, vaccination, education, follow-up, early treatment | similar preventive measures can be inferred |
| Treatment | Proper dietary management, treatment of cause, emergency treatment, supplementation | Food with more proteins and calories, long-term vitamin/mineral supplements, gradual increase in calories |
| Essential Features | Loss of subcutaneous fat, muscle wasting, senile face, pallor | Edema, diminished muscle fat ratio, fatty liver, mental changes |
| Early Features | Hair changes, G.I.T manifestations | |
| Occasional/Variable Features | Vitamins and minerals deficiency, hepatomegaly, skin changes |