3. 1. KWASHIORKOR
➔ It is a disease of protein energy malnutrition(PEM).
➔ It occurs in children when they change from breastfeeding to a diet low in
protein.
SYMPTOMS
➔ Pigmentation
➔ Vomiting & diarrhoea
➔ Oedema
4. DIAGNOSIS
➔ Diagnostic tests of kwashiorkor are:-
❏ Blood levels creatinine and potassium.
❏ Urinalysis.
❏ Complete blood count(CBC).
TREATMENT
➔ Diet rich in protein like milk, egg and soyabean are helpful in the
treatment of kwashiorkor.
5. 2. MARASMUS
➔ It occurs due to diet very low in protein and calories.
➔ It occurs due to early termination of breast feeding and feeding with very
dilute cow’s milk.
SYMPTOMS
➔ Weight loss
➔ Diarrhoea and dehydration
➔ Respiratory infections
6. DIAGNOSIS
➔ The initial stages of marasmus are often diagnosed by a physical
examination by the doctors.
TREATMENT
➔ This can be treated by increasing the protein and calories in the diet.
7. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KWASHIORKOR & MERASMUS
KWASHIORKOR
1. It develops in children whose diets are
deficient of protein.
2. It occurs in children between 6 months and
3 years of age.
3. Oedema is present.
4. Ribs are not very prominent.
5. The person suffering from Kwashiorkor
needs adequate amounts of protein.
MARASMUS
1. It develops in children whose diets are
deficient of proteins and calories.
2. It is common in infants under 1 year of age
who feeds with very dilute cow’s milk..
3. Oedema is absent.
4. Ribs are very prominent.
5. The person suffering from Marasmus
needs adequate amounts of proteins, fats
and carbohydrate.