Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a common childhood disorder and is primarily caused by
deficiency of energy, protein, and micronutrients
. PEM manifests as underweight (low body weight compared with healthy peers), stunting (poor linear growth), wasting (acute weight loss), or edematous malnutrition (kwashiorkor).
What is the protein energy malnutrition?
Introduction. According to World Health Organization, protein energy malnutrition (PEM) refers to “
an imbalance between the supply of protein and energy and the body’s demand for them to ensure optimal growth and function
”.[1] It is a major public health problem in India.
What is the treatment for protein energy malnutrition?
Milk-based formulas
are the treatment of choice. At the beginning of dietary treatment, patients should be fed ad libitum. After 1 week, intake rates should approach 175 kcal/kg and 4 g/kg of protein for children and 60 kcal/kg and 2 g/kg of protein for adults. A daily multivitamin should also be added.
What are the signs and symptoms of protein-energy malnutrition?
- Poor weight gain.
- Slowing of linear growth.
- Behavioral changes – Irritability, apathy, decreased social responsiveness, anxiety, and attention deficits.
What are the two types of protein-energy malnutrition?
Protein-calorie malnutrition is separated into two forms,
kwashiorkor and marasmus
. Kwashiorkor is a state of acute, severe protein-calorie malnutrition resulting in edema and hair changes, often accompanied by encephalopathy. Marasmus is the chronic form of this disorder and causes apathy and growth failure.
How is protein-energy malnutrition diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves
laboratory testing, including serum albumin
. Treatment consists of correcting fluid and electrolyte deficits with IV solutions, then gradually replenishing nutrients, orally if possible. (See also Overview of Undernutrition. (Malnutrition also includes overnutrition.)
What are the consequences of protein-energy malnutrition?
Protein-energy malnutrition is associated with an
increased risk of liver cirrhosis complications
, including ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome.
Is malnutrition curable?
Treating malnutrition in children
Malnutrition in children is often caused by long-term health conditions, for which hospital treatment is needed. But this is not the case for all children with malnutrition. Treatment may involve: dietary changes, such as eating foods high in energy and nutrients.
What are the 4 types of malnutrition?
There are 4 types of malnutrition, according to the World Health Organization. This includes
deficiencies, stunting, being underweight, and wasting
. Each type of malnutrition stems from a unique cause.
How do you know if your body needs more protein?
Swelling
. One of the most common signs that you’re not getting enough protein is swelling (also called edema), especially in your abdomen, legs, feet, and hands. A possible explanation: The proteins that circulate in your blood — albumin, in particular — help keep fluid from building up in your tissues.
What happens if you eat no protein?
Serious protein deficiency can cause
swelling, fatty liver, skin degeneration
, increase the severity of infections and stunt growth in children. While true deficiency is rare in developed countries, low intake may cause muscle wasting and increase the risk of bone fractures.
What diseases are caused by protein deficiency?
The most common diseases as a result of protein deficiency are
Kwashiorkor and Marasmus
. Kwashiorkor is a protein deficiency disease that is manifested as edema and liver enlargement. Fatty infiltrations are also present.
What are the types of protein energy malnutrition?
Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is classically described as 1 of 2 syndromes,
marasmus and kwashiorkor
, depending on the presence or absence of edema. Each type may be classified as acute or chronic. Additionally, marasmus can precede kwashiorkor. Many patients exhibit symptoms of both disease states.
Who malnutrition 10 steps?
- Treat/ prevent hypoglycaemia. Treat hypoglycaemia with glucose immediately. …
- Treat/prevent hypothermia. …
- Treat/prevent dehydration. …
- Correct electrolyte imbalance. …
- Treat/prevent infection. …
- Correct micronutrient deficiencies. …
- Start cautious feeding. …
- Achieve catch-up growth.
How is malnutrition treated in adults?
- Eat ‘little and often’ – 3 small meals a day with 2-3 snacks in-between meals.
- Include protein at each meal such as meat, fish, chicken, eggs, beans or lentils.
- Avoid low fat, sugar-free, diet foods and drinks for example skimmed milk.
What is the name of a most severe form of protein energy malnutrition?
Marasmic kwashiorkor
(marked protein deficiency and marked calorie insufficiency signs present, sometimes referred to as the most severe form of malnutrition)
