Kwashiorkor
Protein malnutrition; Protein-calorie malnutrition; Malignant malnutrition
Kwashiorkor is a form of
Kwashiorkor is a condition resulting from inadequate protein intake. Early symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and lethargy. As protein deprivation continues, one sees growth failure, loss of muscle mass, generalized swelling (edema), and decreased immunity. A large, protuberant belly is common. The incidence of kwashiorkor in children in the United States is extremely small and it is typically found in countries where there is drought and famine.
Causes
Kwashiorkor is most common in areas where there is:
- Famine
- Limited food supply
- Low levels of education (when people do not understand how to eat a proper diet)
This disease is more common in very poor countries. It may occur during:
- Drought or other natural disaster
- Political unrest
These events often lead to a lack of food, causing malnutrition.
Kwashiorkor is rare in children in the United States. There are only isolated cases. However, one government estimate suggests that as many as half of older age people living in nursing homes in the United States do not get enough protein in their diet.
When kwashiorkor does occur in the United States, it is most often a sign of child abuse and severe neglect.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Changes in skin pigment
- Decreased muscle mass
- Diarrhea
- Failure to gain weight and grow
- Fatigue
- Hair changes (change in color or texture)
- Increased and more severe infections due to damaged immune system
- Irritability
- Large belly that sticks out (protrudes)
- Lethargy or apathy
- Loss of muscle mass
- Rash (dermatitis)
- Shock (late stage)
- Swelling (edema)
Exams and Tests
The physical exam may show an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and general bodily swelling.
Tests may include:
Treatment
People who start early treatment can recover fully. The goal is to get more calories and protein into their diet. Children with the disease cannot reach their complete height and growth.
Calories are given first in the form of carbohydrates, simple sugars, and fats. Proteins are started after other sources of calories have already provided energy. Vitamin and mineral supplements will be given.
Food must be restarted slowly since the person has been without much food for a long period of time. Suddenly eating high-calorie foods can cause problems.
Many malnourished children will develop intolerance to milk sugar (lactose intolerance). They will need to be given supplements with the enzyme lactase so that they can tolerate milk products.
People who are in shock need treatment right away to restore blood volume and maintain blood pressure.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Getting treatment early generally leads to good results. Treating kwashiorkor in its late stages will improve the child's general health. However, the child may be left with permanent physical and mental problems. If treatment is not given or comes too late, this condition is life threatening.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if your child has symptoms of kwashiorkor.
Prevention
To prevent kwashiorkor, make sure your diet has enough carbohydrates, fat (at least 10% of total calories), and protein (12% of total calories).
References
Ashworth A. Nutrition, food security, and health. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 57.
Manary MJ, Trehan I. Severe malnutrition. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 197.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 2/17/2024
Reviewed by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
