Protein malnutrition; Protein-calorie malnutrition; Malignant malnutrition; Mehlä hrschaden
Symptoms:
unavailability of adequate food and quality protein
failure to gain weight and failure of linear growth
irritability
lethargy or apathy
decreased muscle mass
edema
large protuberant belly
diarrhea
dermatitis
changes in skin pigment; may lose pigment where the skin has peeled away (desquamated) and the skin may darken where it has been irritated or traumatized
hair changes -- hair color may change, often lightening or becoming reddish, thin, and/or brittle
increased numbers of infections and increased severity of normally mild infection as a result of damaged immune system
Total protein levels (from a chemistry profile) show insufficient amounts of albumin proteins (hypoalbuminemia). CBC demonstrates presence of anemia.
Review Date: 4/23/2004
Reviewed By: Samuel Blackman, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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