Protein-energy undernutrition (PEU), previously called protein-energy malnutrition, is
an energy deficit due to deficiency of all macronutrients
. It commonly includes deficiencies of many micronutrients. PEU can be sudden and total (starvation) or gradual.
What is chronic PEM?
ABSTRACT. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is common
in connection with chronic disease
and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Because the risk of PEM is related to the degree of illness, the causal connections between malnutrition and a poorer prognosis are complex.
What is protein energy malnutrition disease?
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 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 is meant by PEM?
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 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.
Which disease is caused by severe energy deficiency?
In general,
marasmus
occurs when there is an insufficient energy intake to match the body’s requirements. As a result, the body draws on its own stores, resulting in emaciation. In kwashiorkor, adequate carbohydrate consumption and decreased protein intake lead to decreased synthesis of visceral proteins.
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 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.
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.)
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 should you eat if you are malnourished?
- 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.
How does protein energy malnutrition affect the immune system?
Protein-energy malnutrition
increases susceptibility to infection, or cause impaired immunity
. Many cells of the immune system depend for their function on metabolic pathways.
What are the two types of PEM?
Kwashiorkor and marasmus
are the two forms of protein energy malnutrition.
What is PEM and its types?
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.
How many types of protein energy malnutrition are there?
Protein-energy undernutrition doesn’t occur due to short-term illnesses. It’s more likely due to malnutrition over a long period.
Two
main types of this undernutrition are marasmus and kwashiorkor.
