Kwashiorkor

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

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Kwashiorkor symptoms

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Kwashiorkor

• unavailability of adequate food and quality protein
• failure to gain weight and failure of linear growth
• irritability
• lethargy or apathy
• decreased muscle mass
• edema
• large protuberant belly
• 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, and/or brittle
• increased numbers of infections and increased severity of normally mild infection as a result of damaged immune system
• shock (late stage)
• coma (late stage)

The physical examination may show an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and generalized edema.

Decreased kidney function as shown by changes in:

• urinalysis
• serum creatinine
• creatinine clearance
• BUN
• serum potassium
• arterial blood gas

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