Kwashiorkor and Marasmus
15011
Summary
Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are diseases of severe malnutrition, which are rare in developed countries but sometimes observed in developing countries. Kwashiorkor is a disease caused by protein deficiency, presenting with swelling of the belly (secondary to edema), skin lesions, fatty change of the liver, and anemia. Marasmus describes generalized muscle wasting caused by a deficiency of all nutrients, or a total caloric deficiency. It can be seen in people with poor intake, although cancer-related muscle wasting may also be described as marasmus.
Key Points
- Kwashiorkor
- Also known as “edematous malnutrition”
- Caused by protein deficiency
- Classically presents in children with:
- swollen edematous belly
- low plasma oncotic pressure secondary to decreased albumin
- fatty liver disease
- thought to be secondary to decreased apolipoproteins
- skin lesions (e.g. hyperkeratosis, dyspigmentation)
- anemia
- thought to be secondary to reduced globin proteins
- swollen edematous belly
- Maramus
- From Latin marasmos (wasting away/withering)
- Caused by total caloric deficiency
- Symptoms include generalized muscle wasting
Find Kwashiorkor, Marasmus, and other Nutrition topics among Pixorize's visual mnemonics for the USMLE Step 1 and NBME Shelf Exams.