Parasitosis intestinales en niños de 3 a 5 años con desnutrición de tipo Kwashiorkor en el Hospital José María Velasco Ibarra 2018-2019 / Intestinal parasitosis in children aged 3 to 5 years with Kwashiorkor-type malnutrition at the José María Velasco Ibarra Hospital 2018-2019

Determinar la ocurrencia de la parasitosis intestinal en niños de 3 a 5 años con desnutrición de tipo Kwashiorkor en el Hospital José María Velasco Ibarra en el periodo 2018-2019 ha sido el objetivo de este estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 41 infantes realizándole en la consulta externa su valoración clínica para clasificarlo con la enfermedad desnutrición de tipo Kwashiorkor, lo que incluyó un estudio coproparasitológico verificando la ocurrencia de parásitos intestinales en sus muestras fecales. Los resultados arrojaron que el 65,85% de los pacientes son niñas; el 43,90% corresponden al grupo etario de 5 años; IMC reflejo un 14,32 para los niños y 13,42 para las niñas, reflejándose niveles de desnutrición graves, que se corroboran con los resultados de las pruebas de laboratorio con una albumina sérica que oscila entre 2,05 y 2,63, niños anémicos altamente afectados por poliparásitos intestinales, siendo los más frecuentes: T. trichiura (n=34), A. lumbricoides (n=16) y G. lamblia (n=20). En conclusión, la desnutrición relacionada con la ingesta calórico-proteica, puede ser agravada por la ocurrencia de parásitos intestinales, lo que trae como consecuencia un aumento significativo del riesgo de morbi-mortalidad de niños de 3 a 5 años con desnutrición de tipo Kwashiorkor(AU)

To determine the occurrence of intestinal parasitosis in children aged 3 to 5 years with Kwashiorkor-type malnutrition at the José María Velasco Ibarra Hospital in the period 2018- 2019 has been the objective of this descriptive, crosssectional study. The sample consisted of 41 infants, who performed their clinical assessment in the outpatient clinic to classify it with Kwashiorkor-type malnutrition disease, which included a coproparasitological study verifying the occurrence of intestinal parasites in their fecal samples. The results showed that 65.85% of the patients are girls; 43.90% correspond to the age group of 5 years; BMI reflected 14.32 for boys and 13.42 for girls, reflecting levels of severe malnutrition, which are corroborated with the results of laboratory tests with a serum albumin that ranges between 2.05 and 2.63, boys anemic highly affected by intestinal polyparasites, the most frequent being: T. trichiura (n = 34), A. lumbricoides (n = 16) and G. lamblia (n = 20). In conclusion, malnutrition related to caloric-protein intake can be aggravated by the occurrence of intestinal parasites, which results in a significant increase in the risk of morbidity and mortality in children aged 3 to 5 years with Kwashiorkor-type malnutrition(AU)

An infant with kwashiorkor: The forgotten disease

@#Undernutrition remains a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. Despite being rich in resources, Malaysia is still home to children sufering from severe undernutrition. Tis paper presents the case of a 5-month-old boy with kwashiorkor stemming from improper weaning which was overlooked. Tis case highlights the importance of recognizing the early signs of kwashiorkor to allow for early referrals for proper management and prevent its possible complications.

Nutrition rehabilitation of children with severe acute malnutrition: Revisiting studies undertaken by the National Institute of Nutrition

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children under five years is an important public health problem due to associated high mortality and long-term health consequences. Research on the dietary causes of SAM, especially the role and relative importance of dietary protein, in the aetiology of oedematous malnutrition, has led to considerable debates and controversies. The present article revisits some of the debates in this field, where the researchers at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, India, with their pioneering work, have contributed to the global literature on the various facets of the disease. Highlighting the importance of energy as a bigger problem than protein malnutrition is a noteworthy contribution of NIN's research. It is, however, important to examine the protein quality of the diets in light of the new information on the lysine requirements. The article argues that the currently dominating hypothesis of free radical theory requires a critical review of the supporting evidence. Over the past few decades, the research has focused on low-cost diets using locally available foods. The article also argues that solutions based on local foods, being acceptable and sustainable, need to be strengthened for their effective delivery through the existing nutrition programmes. Recent evidence shows that the use of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) with high micronutrient density may be linked with higher mortality possibly due to the high iron content, which could be counterproductive. There are several unaddressed concerns regarding the potential long-term impact of consumption of RUTF in children with SAM. More evidence and a cautious approach are, therefore, needed before implementing these solutions.

Prevalence of protein energy malnutrition among children: a cross sectional study

Background: In the world, hunger and malnutrition are most significant threat. Malnutrition is global risk factor for significant death among infants and pregnant woman. malnutrition increases the chances of several infections.Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken in children age group of 1 to 18 years, suffering from protein energy malnutrition, attending Department of Paediatrics, tertiary care hospital, Bangalore during the period January 2016 to December 2016.'Results: In the present study, maximum number of cases (44) belongs to age group of 1-5 years, followed by 32 cases belongs to 6-12-year age group and 24 cases belong to 13-18-year age group. Maximum cases (59) belongs to female with male female ratio is 1:1.4. In the present study out of 100 cases, 81 cases came positive for protein energy malnutrition. Out of 81 cases positive for PEM, 34 cases belong to grade I followed by 24 cases belongs to grade II, 13 cases belong to grade III and 1o cases belongs to grade IV protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).Conclusions: Malnutrition is like an iceberg, most people in the developing countries live under the burden of malnutrition.

Manifestaciones dermatológicas en kwashiorkor: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Dermatological manifestations in kwashiorkor: case report and review of literature

RESUMEN Objetivo: presentar un reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura de una paciente diagnosticada con Kwashiorkor, por sus manifestaciones dermatológicas y clínicas. Métodos: se valora en el servicio de Urgencias a una lactante menor, femenina, de 4 meses de edad, con un cuadro de aproximadamente 15 días de lesiones asintomáticas, que se inician en miembros inferiores con posterior diseminación a tronco, miembros superiores y cara. La madre refiere alimentación exclusiva con avena desde el mes de vida. Resultados: se realizó un manejo interdisciplinario, con los servicios de Pediatría, Nutrición y Dermatología con adecuada evolución clínica de la paciente, observando importante mejoría del cuadro cutáneo, a los pocos días de su estancia hospitalaria. Conclusiones: aunque no es una patología muy frecuente hoy en día, sigue sucediendo en países en vía de desarrollo y desarrollados, por lo que es importante siempre tenerla como diagnóstico diferencial para un abordaje adecuado y educar a los padres y cuidadores.

SUMMARY Objective: wepresent a case report and review of the literature of a patient, diagnosed with Kwashiorkor due to its dermatological and clinical manifestations. Methods: a 4-month-old female infant was evaluated in the Emergency department for approximately 15 days of asymptomatic lesionsthat began in the lower limbs with subsequent dissemination to the trunk, upper limbs and face. The mother refers a diet since four months of age only with oats, denies maternal lactation. Results: an interdisciplinary management was carried out, with the Pediatric service, Nutrition and Dermatology with adequate clinical evolution of the patient, observing an important improvement of the cutaneous lesions, after a few days in the hospital. Conclusions: although it is not a very frequent pathology, it is still happening in developing countries and developed, so it is important to always have it as a differential diagnosis for an adequate approach and always educate parents and caregivers.

Dislipidemia en niños con desnutrición aguda. Turbo, Colombia / Dyslipidemia in children with acute malnutrition. Turbo, Colombia

Objetivo: comparar el perfil lipídico de niños menores de 5 años con desnutrición aguda con un grupo control. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, en 43 niños, 26 con desnutrición aguda y 17 con adecuado peso para la talla (P/T). Entre los grupos de estudio se compararon las concentraciones séricas de CT, c-LDL, c-HDL y TG. Resultados: el grupo con desnutrición presentó una frecuencia significativamente mayor de c-HDL bajas comparados con controles (19 vs 7% respectivamente, p=0,036) y un riesgo 1,8 veces mayor de c-HDL bajas (OR=1,8; IC 0,960-3,280). Los TG fueron mayores en los desnutridos, pero sin diferencia significativa con los controles. Las concentraciones de CT, c-LDL y c-HDL disminuyeron significativamente a medida que aumentó el grado de desnutrición, mientras que los TG aumentaron pero no significativamente; en los niños con desnutrición grave el índice arterial TG/c-HDL fue significativamente mayor que en los moderados y en los controles. Los niños con kwashiorkor presentaron las concentraciones más bajas de CT, c-LDL y c-HDL, las más altas de TG y el mayor índice arterial. Conclusiones: los niños con desnutrición aguda grave, especialmente tipo kwashiorkor, presentan concentraciones más bajas de c-HDL y más altas de TG, con un índice arterial alto que los expone a desarrollar ateroesclerosis.

Objective: to compare the lipid profile between preschools with and without acute malnutrition. Methods: a cross sectional study was developed in 43 preschools; 26 with and 17 without acute malnutrition. Malnutrition was assessed by weight for height ratio (P/T). Among the study groups were compared serum levels of TC, c-LDL, c-HDL and TG. Results: malnourished group showed a significantly higher frequency of c-HDL levels classified as lower compared with controls (19 vs 7%, respectively, p = 0.036) and a 1.8 times higher risk to c-HDL levels classified as lower (OR = 1,8; CI 0,960-3,280). TG levels were higher in malnourished, but no significant difference with controls. TC, c-LDL, and c-HDL concentration sincreased significantly by increasing the acute malnutrition degree. TG increased but not significantly, in preschool with severe acute malnutrition arterial index TG/HDL-C was significantly higher thanin control group. The lowest concentrations of TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C were detected in preschool affected by kwashiorkor. The highest TG, and arterial index were detected in preschool affected by kwashiorkor. Conclusions: preschool affected by severe acute malnutrition, especially kwashiorkor, has lower HDL-C concentrations, higher TG, and a high index which exposed them to develop atherosclerosis.

Mortalidad por desnutrición en menores de cinco años, Colombia, 2003-2007 / Death rate by malnutrition in children under the age of five, Colombia

Introducción. Los mayores problemas de mortalidad en menores de cinco años se presentan en países con altos índices de pobreza, lo que demuestra la iniquidad en relación con los países desarrollados. Se han identificado causas generales de mortalidad, como trastornos perinatales, sarampión, VIH/ sida, diarrea e infecciones respiratorias agudas, por lo que se hace énfasis en que la desnutrición ha tenido que ver con la mitad de ellas, aproximadamente, como una causa subyacente. Objetivo. Caracterizar la mortalidad por desnutrición utilizando un método de ajuste para la tasa, dadas las dificultades en su estimación por las limitaciones en la identificación de la desnutrición como causa básica de muerte. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo que incluyó análisis de códigos CIE- 10 de las estadísticas vitales entre 2003-2007, con estimación de las tasas de mortalidad, aplicación del método de causas múltiples para enfermedades infecciosas y cálculo de las probabilidades de muerte. Resultados. La desnutrición, como antecedente, tiene asociación con las enfermedades infecciosas; la frecuencia de la enfermedad infecciosa como causa básica de muerte fue siete veces mayor cuando coexistió la desnutrición como causa antecedente. Una vez ajustada la tasa de mortalidad, se encontró que aumentó cinco veces el valor inicial. El método de "análisis de causas múltiples" establece su efectividad como metodología en el ajuste de este tipo de mortalidad. Conclusión. La desnutrición puede ser una causa básica o subyacente de muerte en una de cada ocho defunciones, en niños menores de un año, y en una de cada tres, en niños de uno a cuatro años.

Introduction. Much higher mortalities occur in children under five in developing countries with high poverty rates compared with developed countries. Causes of death are related to perinatal conditions, measles, HIV/AIDS, diarrhea, respiratory diseases and others. Throughout the world, malnutrition has been identified as the underlying cause of approximately half of these deaths. Objective. Death rate due to malnutrition was described using an adjusted method that takes into account the difficulties of identifying malnutrition as a direct cause of death. Materials and methods. A descriptive study included analysis of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) vital statistics from 2003-2007. Death rates were estimated, a method of analysis of multiple causes was applied for infectious diseases, along with calculations of death probabilities. Results. Malnutrition was associated with infectious diseases. The frequency of infectious disease as a direct cause of death was almost seven times higher in cases with the antecedent of malnutrition. When adjusted death rate values were used, the initial value increased nearly five times. The probability of death after the adjustment for inadequate classification increased approximately four times. The Analysis of Multiple Causes Method was established as an effective method in analyzing malnutrition and infectious diesease mortality in Colombia. Conclusion. Malnutrition may be a direct underlying cause of death in one of eight deaths in children <1 year old and one of three deaths in 1-4-year-olds.

Cuando sonrían! tributo a los pioneros de la nutrición en los primeros años de las organizaciones internacionales / When they smile! tribute to pioneers of nutrition in the early years of international organizations

Se recoge aquí la trayectoria internacional del nutricionista José María Bengoa tras la ruta del hambre, relatando los temas prioritarios para los organismos de la ONU al tratar de la malnutrición en el mundo de 1950 a 1975. Esa fue una gesta de los pioneros de la nutrición a quienes se rinde homenaje, citando sus más importantes contribuciones. Queda por analizar el porque no se ha logrado mejorar la situación mundial del hambre hoy en día a pesar de tanta dedicación(AU)

The international path of the nutritionist Jose Maria Bengoa is followed here reporting the main priorities of UN organisations in tackling the issues of human malnutrition in the years from 1950 to 1975. This work is in honour of many of the pioneers in nutrition of the early years of international organisations quoting their more outstanding contributions. There remains to ponder on why the condition of hunger and malnutrition in the world has not improved to this date despite so much dedication(AU)

Kwashiorkor e distúrbio de coagulação: apresentação atípica de fibrose cística / Kwashiorkor and coagulation disturbance: atypical presentation of cystic fibrosis

Enfatizar a apresentação clínica precoce da fibrose cística (FC) em lactente com Kwashiorkor e distúrbio de coagulação, decorrente de hipovitaminose K. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente com três meses e meio, sexo feminino, nascida a termo, peso de 2655g, estatura de 46cm, foi encaminhada para investigação de lesões perineais associadas à monilíase de difícil controle, refratária a diversos antifúngicos e corticoides. Quadro geral caracterizado por baixo ganho ponderal, edema e diarreia. Admissão hospitalar para investigação com hipótese diagnóstica de Kwashiorkor de origem primária ou secundária. Paciente mantida em aleitamento materno exclusivo, sendo observadas perda ponderal e persistência da diarreia. Na internação, foi iniciado tratamento de infecção do trato urinário. A paciente evoluiu com hemorragia digestiva alta e sangramento pela flebotomia em safena direita, sendo identificada coagulopatia responsiva à vitamina K e plasma fresco congelado. Na evolução, foi confirmada esteatorreia e hipoalbuminemia; as sorologias para sífilis, toxoplasmose, mononucleose, citomegalovírus, rubéola, HIV e hepatite B, apresentaram resultado negativo e a pesquisa da mutação ∆F508 heterozigoto para FC foi positiva. A paciente apresentou piora do estado geral com sinais de sepse, evoluindo para óbito. O laudo necroscópico evidenciou elementos característicos de choque séptico com infecção pulmonar, sinais acentuados de desnutrição e fibrose cística do pâncreas. COMENTÁRIOS: A FC pode manifestar-se com quadro de Kwashiorkor e distúrbio de coagulação por deficiência de vitamina K. Os profissionais de saúde devem estar atentos à possibilidade de FC no diagnóstico diferencial dessa situação.

To address the clinical presentation of cystic fibrosis (CF) in an infant presenting Kwashiorkor along with coagulation disturbance due to vitamin K deficiency. CASE DESCRIPTION: A female baby aged three and a half months, born at term, with birth weight of 2655g, and height of 46cm, was referred to a university center due to perineal moniliasis refractory to therapy, including antifungal drugs and corticosteroids. She had poor weight gain, edema, and diarrhea. After hospital admission under the diagnostic hypothesis of Kwashiorkor of primary or secondary origin, the child received exclusive breastfeeding, but lost weight and maintained the diarrhea. At admission, a urinary tract infection was detected and treated. The child developed bleeding of upper digestive tract and phlebotomy incision at the right saphenous vein treated with vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma. Laboratory exams showed steatorrhea and hypoalbuminemia. Serology was negative for syphilis, toxoplasmosis, mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus, rubella, HIV and hepatitis B. Heterozygous ∆F508 mutation for CF was positive. The patient died with a septic shock. Necropsy showed that the septic shock had a pulmonary origin and that malnutrition was secondary to cystic fibrosis of pancreas. COMMENTS: CF may have a clinical presentation as Kwashiorkor with coagulation disturbance caused by vitamin K deficiency. Health professionals should be aware of this possibility in the differential diagnosis of infants with severe malnutrition and edema.

Risk Factors of Mortality in Severely-malnourished Children Hospitalized with Diarrhoea.

This case-control study was conducted in the Dhaka Hospital of ICDDR,B to identify the risk factors of mortality in severely-malnourished children hospitalized with diarrhoea. One hundred and three severelymalnourished children (weight-for-age <60% of median of the National Center for Health Statistics standard) who died during hospitalization were compared with another 103 severely-malnourished children who survived. These children were aged less than three years and admitted to the hospital during 1997. On admission, characteristics of the fatal cases and non-fatal controls were comparable, except for age. The median age of the cases and controls were six and eight months respectively (p=0.05). Patients with low pulse rate or imperceptible pulse had three times the odds of death compared to the control group (p<0.01). The presence of clinical septicaemia and clinical severe anaemia had 11.7 and 4.2 times the odds of death respectively (p<0.01). Patients with leukocytosis (>15,000/cm3) had 2.5 times the odds of death (p<0.01). Using logistic regression, clinical septicaemia [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=8.8, confidence interval (CI) 3.7-21.1, p=0.01], hypothermia (AOR=3.5, CI 1.3-9.4, p<0.01), and bronchopneumonia (AOR=3.0, CI 1.2-7.3, p<0.01) were identified as the significant risk factors of mortality. Severely-malnourished children (n=129) with leukocytosis, imperceptible pulse, pneumonia, septicaemia, and hypothermia had a high risk of mortality. The identified risk factors can be used as a prognostic guide for patients with diarrhoea and severe malnutrition.

Hartnup Disease Masked by Kwashiorkor.

This report describes an 11-month old girl with Hartnup disease presenting with kwashiorkor and acrodermatitis enteropathica-like skin lesions but free of other clinical findings. This case with kwashiorkor had acrodermatitis enteropathica-like desquamative skin eruption. Since zinc level was in the normal range, investigation for a metabolic disorder was considered, and Hartnup disease was diagnosed.

Inflammatory response in Colombian children with severe protein-energymalnutrition before and after nutritional intervention / Respuesta inflamatoria en niños colombianos con desnutrición grave antes y después del tratamiento nutricional

Aim: To evaluate the changes in C-reactive protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines in severely malnourished children, before nutritional intervention and at the moment of restoring appetite. Methodology: To assess changes in inflammatory mediators, 20 severely malnourished children under 5 years of age, 10 with kwashiorkor and 10 with marasmus were studied. Hemoglobin, total serum proteins, albumin, ferritin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, C-reactive protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α, and IL-12p70) were determined.Results: Upon hospital admission, the mean values of C-reactive protein in kwashiorkor and marasmus patients (16.3±19.0 mg/l and 23.1±27.9 mg/l, respectively) indicated an inflammatory response process with no difference between both groups (p=1.0). Total protein, albumin, transferrin and ceruloplasmin in children with kwashiorkor were significantly lower than in marasmic children (p=0.003, p=0.007, p=0.035, p=0.007, respectively). All cytokines, except IL-12p70, showed significantly higher concentrations in kwashiorkor than in marasmic children. After the stabilization phase, concentrations of C-reactive protein decreased significantly in both groups and albumin increased to normal values, but cytokines remained high. Conclusion: These results show that malnourished children are able to synthesize C-reactive protein in response to an infectious process. Additionally, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and depletion of albumin in children with kwashiorkor suggest that these inflammatory mediators could be critical biomarkers during clinical phases of kwashiorkor.

Objetivo: Evaluar los cambios en la concentración de proteína C reactiva y citocinas pro-inflamatorias en niños con desnutrición aguda grave antes del tratamiento nutricional y al recuperar el apetito. Metodología: Se evaluó en 20 niños menores de 5 años con desnutrición aguda grave, 10 con marasmo y 10 con kwashiorkor, el cambio en la respuesta inflamatoria mediante la concentración de ferritina, transferrina, proteínas totales, albúmina, ceruloplasmina, proteína C reactiva y citocinas pro-inflamatorias (IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α y IL-12p70).Resultados: Al momento de la admisión, la concentración promedio de proteína C reactiva en niños con kwashiorkor y marasmo (16.3±19.0 mg/l y 23.1±27.9 mg/l, respectivamente) indicaron un proceso inflamatorio activo en ambos grupos (p=1.0). Las proteínas totales, la albúmina, la transferrina y la ceruloplasmina fueron significativamente menores en niños con kwashiorkor que en niños con marasmo (p=0.003, p=0.007, p=0.035, p=0.007, respectivamente). Todas las citocinas, excepto la IL-12p70, mostraron una concentración significativamente mayor en niños con kwashiorkor que en marasmáticos. Después de la fase de estabilización la concentración de proteína C reactiva disminuyó de manera significativa en ambos grupos y la albúmina aumentó a concentraciones normales, pero las citocinas permanecieron altas. Conclusión: Estos resultados muestran que los niños desnutridos graves son capaces de sintetizar proteínas de fase aguda como la proteína C reactiva en respuesta a un proceso infeccioso. Adicionalmente, las mayores concentraciones de citocinas pro-inflamatorias y la mayor depleción de albúmina ocurrida en niños con kwashiorkor sugieren que esos mediadores inflamatorios pueden ser biomarcadores críticos durante las fases clínicas del kwashiorkor.

Respuesta inflamatoria en niños con desnutrición aguda grave y anemia / Inflammatory response in children with severe acute malnutrition and anemia

Introducción: El manejo de la infección todavía es un reto en el tratamiento del desnutrido grave porque la inmunosupresión y la anemia concomitante comprometen la respuesta inflamatoria. Objetivo: Comparar la respuesta inflamatoria entre niños con desnutrición aguda grave tipo marasmo y kwashiorkor y niños eutróficos con y sin anemia (grupos control), mediante la medición de los niveles de proteína C reactiva (PCR) y de las citocinas pro-inflamatorias IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF e IL-12. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, donde se determinaron los niveles de algunos indicadores de la respuesta inflamatoria como proteína C reactiva (PCR), citocinas pro-inflamatorias como IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF- e IL-12p70, hemoglobina y ferritina en un grupo de 40 niños: 10 con marasmo, 10 con kwashiorkor, 10 eutróficos con anemia y 10 eutróficos sin anemia. Resultados. La PCR fue significativamente mayor en desnutridos que en eutróficos. Las concentraciones de las citocinas pro-inflamatorias fueron mas altas en niños con kwashiorkor seguidos de eutróficos con anemia, marasmáticos y eutróficos sin anemia. La hemoglobina se correlacionó negativamente con los niveles de IL-8 (r=-0,409 p=0,009), IL-6 (r=-0,442 p=0,004) e IL-10 (r=-0,436 p=0,005). Conclusión. Los niños con desnutrición aguda grave producen una respuesta inflamatoria con aumento en los niveles de la PCR y de citocinas pro-inflamatorias que indican infección aun cuando no presenten signos, lo cual apoya la recomendación del protocolo de la OMS de medicarlos con antibioticos. Adicionalmente, estos resultados sugieren que las citocinas pro-inflamatorias podrian participar en la patogenesis de la anemia en pacientes con o sin desnutricion.

The treatment of the infection is still challenging in children with severe malnutrition and immunosupression. Objective: evaluate and compare inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokines in children with severe malnutrition and anemia. Methodology: levels of hemoglobin, transferrin, CRP and inflammatory markers such as cytokines IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF- and IL-12p70 were assessed in a group of 40 children, nutritional status was also evaluated.10 were classified with marasmus, 10 with kwashiorkor, 10 well nourish with anemia and 10 well nourish with no anemia. Results: C-reactive protein was significantly higher in undernourishment children than in well nourish children. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines were higher in children with kwashiorkor along by well nourish children with anemia, children with marasmus and well nourish children with no anemia. Hemoglobin was no correlated with levels of IL-8 (r=-0,409 p=0,009), IL-6 (r=-0,442 p=0,004) and IL-10 (r=-0,436 p=0,005). Conclusion: malnourished children could develop an inflammatory condition presenting high levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that proinflammatory cytokines may participate in the pathogenesis of anemia in malnourished or well nourished patients.

A case of lethal kwashiorkor caused by feeding only with cereal grains / 소아과

Kwashiorkor is a syndrome of severe protein malnutrition, which manifests itself in hypoalbuminemia, diarrhea, dermatitis, and edema. It can be life-threatening due to associated immune deficiency and an increased susceptibility to infections. Kwashiorkor should be treated early with nutritional support and the control of infection. Dilated cardiomyopathy may develop during the treatment and in such cases a poor prognosis is expected. Kwashiorkor has been known as a common disease of poor countries. To date, in fact, there has been no report of kwashiorkor leading to death in technically advanced countries. We here report a fatal case of a baby girl admitted with kwashiorkor. She had been fed only with cereal grain mixed with juice, without any protein supplement, for 2 months. This diet was deficient not because of poverty, but due to the illiteracy of her parents. The patient suffered from diarrhea, whole body edema, hypothermia, and dermatitis. Laboratory findings revealed an immune-deficient state featuring leukopenia and decreased immunoglobulin. Blood and urine cultures revealed Alcaligenes Xylosoxidans growth. The patient was fed frequent small amounts of protein-containing formula and intravenous albumin and micronutrients were administered for nutritional support. She was also treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and antibiotics in order to control infection. Nevertheless, she developed dilated cardiomyopathy and multi-organ failure and died. We review this case in light of the literature.

Marasmus and Kwashiorkor by Nutritional Ignorance Related to Vegetarian Diet and Infants with Atopic Dermatitis in South Korea

Infants and children with food related Atopic Dermatitis (AD) need extra dietary efforts to maintain optimal nutrition due to food restriction to prevent allergy reactions. However, nutrition ignorance and food faddism make patients even more confused and practice desirable diet more difficult. The objective of this study was to report the AD patients' malnutrition cases in Korea. We report on 2 cases of severe nutritional deficiency caused by consuming macrobiotic diets which avoid processed foods and most animal foods, i.e. one of vegetarian diet. Case 1, a 12-month-old male child, was admitted with severe marasmus. Because of a history of AD, he was started on mixed grain porridge at 3 months without any breast milk or formula feeding. His caloric intake was 66% and protein intake was 69% of the recommended dietary allowance. Patient's height and weight was under 3th percentile. On admission the patient was unable to crawl or roll over. Case 2, a 9-month-old AD female patient, was diagnosed with kwashiorkor and rickets. She was also started on mixed grain porridge at 100 days due to AD. Her caloric intake has been satisfied recommended dietary allowance until 7 months, however, she conducted sauna bath therapy and reduced both energy and protein intake at 8 months. The amount of protein intake for case 2 was higher than recommended dietary allowance, but, sauna therapy and severe AD with intakes of low guality protein may increase patient's protein requirement resulting in kwashiorkor. Case 2 patient's height and weight was on 3th percentile. Both cases showed low intake of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E and especially very low intake of vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Allergy tests for certain foods had not done prior to admission for both cases. They followed the dietary advise operated by macrobiotic diet internet site. In conclusion, AD infants' parents and caregivers should contact a pediatrician trained as a specialist in allergy for accurate diagnosis. For infant patients, breast or formula feeding including hypoallergenic formula should be continued until their one year of age. When certain foods need to be restricted or to follow special diets such as vegetarian diet, consultation with pediatrician and dietitian is needed.

A Case of Infantile Spasm Associated with Acute Renal Failure and Kwashiorkor after Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-protein, low-carbohydrate diet developed in the 1920s for the treatment of difficult-to-control seizures. Despite advances in both the pharmacotherapy and the surgery of epilepsy, many children continue to have difficult-to-control seizures. In this situation, a ketogenic diet should be considered as an alternative therapy. However, less attention has been paid to associated adverse events in the ketogenic diet. We report a case of infantile spasm associated with acute renal failure, lipoid pneumonitis and kwashiorkor after ketogenic diet. A better understanding of this adverse event profile will allow the pediatric neurologist to have a true informed consent discussion with the care giver when considering initiation of the ketogenic diet.