Kwashiorkor

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Kwashiorkor symptoms

Protein malnutrition; Protein-calorie malnutrition; Malignant malnutrition

• 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)

The physical examination may show an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and general swelling.

Tests may include:

• Arterial blood gas
• BUN
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Creatinine clearance
• Serum creatinine
• Serum potassium
• Total protein levels
• Urinalysis

Review Date: 01/29/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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