KwashiorkorSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet.
Protein malnutrition; Protein-calorie malnutrition; Malignant malnutrition
Kwashiorkor is most common in areas where there is:
- Famine
- Limited food supply
- Low levels of education (when people do not understand how to eat a proper diet)
This disease is more common in very poor countries. It may occur during:
- Drought or other natural disaster
- Political unrest
These events often lead to a lack of food, causing malnutrition.
Kwashiorkor is rare in children in the United States. There are only isolated cases. However, one government estimate suggests that as many as half of older age people living in nursing homes in the United States do not get enough protein in their diet.
When kwashiorkor does occur in the United States, it is most often a sign of child abuse and severe neglect.
Symptoms include:
- Changes in skin pigment
- Decreased muscle mass
- Diarrhea
- Failure to gain weight and grow
- Fatigue
- Hair changes (change in color or texture)
- Increased and more severe infections due to damaged immune system
- Irritability
- Large belly that sticks out (protrudes)
- Lethargy or apathy
- Loss of muscle mass
- Rash (dermatitis)
- Shock (late stage)
- Swelling (edema)
People who start early treatment can recover fully. The goal is to get more calories and protein into their diet. Children with the disease cannot reach their complete height and growth.
Calories are given first in the form of carbohydrates, simple sugars, and fats. Proteins are started after other sources of calories have already provided energy. Vitamin and mineral supplements will be given.
Food must be restarted slowly since the person has been without much food for a long period of time. Suddenly eating high-calorie foods can cause problems.
Many malnourished children will develop intolerance to milk sugar (lactose intolerance). They will need to be given supplements with the enzyme lactase so that they can tolerate milk products.
People who are in shock need treatment right away to restore blood volume and maintain blood pressure.
Warren Clinic Family Medicine - Owasso
If you're looking for experienced and compassionate primary care in Collinsville, Dr. Christopher Roberts Klotz, M.D. at Warren Clinic Family Medicine is a trusted provider with over 30 years of experience in family medicine. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Dr. Klotz is board-certified and known for his thorough evaluations, clear communication, and dedication to long-term wellness for patients of all ages. He treats a wide range of conditions including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, and is affiliated with top facilities like Saint Francis Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital South. Patients appreciate his approachable demeanor and commitment to personalized, preventive care. * Board-certified in Family Medicine with 30+ years of experience in adult and pediatric care * Practices at Warren Clinic Family Medicine in Collinsville—offering convenient, community-based care * Highly rated for patient satisfaction, clear communication, and continuity of care. Dr. Klotz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kwashiorkor. His top areas of expertise are Fish-Eye Disease, Hypolipoproteinemia, Abetalipoproteinemia, and Apo A-I Deficiency.
Suburban Geriatrics Inc
. Dr. Pearlstein is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kwashiorkor. His top areas of expertise are Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Painful Swallowing, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy.
Robert Bandsma practices in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Bandsma is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Kwashiorkor. His top areas of expertise are Malnutrition, Kwashiorkor, Diarrhea, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Liver Transplant.
Getting treatment early generally leads to good results. Treating kwashiorkor in its late stages will improve the child's general health. However, the child may be left with permanent physical and mental problems. If treatment is not given or comes too late, this condition is life threatening.
Complications may include:
- Coma
- Permanent mental and physical disability
- Shock
Contact your health care provider if your child has symptoms of kwashiorkor.
To prevent kwashiorkor, make sure your diet has enough carbohydrates, fat (at least 10% of total calories), and protein (12% of total calories).
Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to test the use of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) in children with severe acute malnutrition in Sierra Leone. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Will the inclusion of MFGM in RUTF for 6-59-month-old Sierra Leonean children with severe acute malnutrition improve their neurodevelopment? * Will the inclusion of MFGM...
Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to test adding choline to ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Malawi. The main question it aims to answer is: \- Will the addition of a 500mg daily dose of choline to RUTF during treatment for SAM improve cognitive development among 6-59-month-old Malawian children compared with standard RUTF without added chol...
Published Date: February 17, 2024
Published By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Ashworth A. Nutrition, food security, and health. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 57.
Manary MJ, Trehan I. Severe malnutrition. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 197.