ISHIBWAMI JOB MAMBOLEO

FALL
SEMESTER 2015
HLTH
-120-F15

RESEACH PAPER
TOPIC: KWASHIORKOR
ORIGIN AND CAUSES:

As updated by Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA clinical

assistant professor of pediatrics, University of Washington school of

medicine; and said by Tamberlane, William. Yale guide to childrens nutrition.
New haven: Yale University press, 1997 :

the term Kwashiorkor comes

from a word used in Ghana since 1930s that means a disease of a baby
deposed from the breast when the next one is born. Kwashiorkor usually
happens the baby is weaned from protein rich breast milk (for any reason)
and switched to protein poor foods.
Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition cause by protein deficiency in diet,
typically affecting young children in the tropics

We can say of it,

again as a form
of

severe

protein-energy
malnutrition
characterized by
edema,
irritability,
dermatoses

anorexia,
.It

due

ulcerating
to

inadequate

protein in the diet despite an adequate

caloric intake. We can add also that kwashiorkor is a disease caused by lack
of protein in childrens diet. It is a type of protein energy malnutrition (P E M)
that is wide spread throughout the developing world. This disease can be
given as alternative names:

Protein malnutrition
Protein-calories malnutrition
Malignant malnutrition

MOST AFFECTED PART IN THE WORLD

Neil k. Kaneshiro, William, Health grades editorial staff confirm that:
Kwashiorkor is most common in area where is: Famine, limited food supply;
low levels of education (when people do not understand how to eat a proper
diet.)

IT is a more common disease in poor countries. Kwashiorkor often

occurs during a drought or other natural disaster, or during political unrest.

For all these conditions are responsible for lack of food, which leads to
malnutrition. Infants and children growing up in tropical areas such as Africa,
Asia, and South America where there is much poverty are at risk of getting
Kwashiorkor.
Impoverished countries, protein-rich foods are difficult to acquire.so low
protein diets associated with dietary changes due to milk allergies in infants,
fad diets, poor nutritional education or chaotic home life, are

other causes

of Kwashiorkor.
Kwashiorkor as said being a disease affecting poor countries, it rare in
children in United States.
There are isolated cases. Whenever such case does occurs in the United
States, it is usually a sign of child abuse and severe neglect.

Although said

to affect children the same elderly people may be affected too. For even one
government estimate suggests that as many as 50% of elderly people in
nursing homes in united states do not get enough protein in their diet.
SYMPTOMS
As for MD, Neil; William and health grades editorial staff ;Most people,
affected with Kwashiorkor have to develop these symptoms, if not all but
most of them:

Changes in skin pigment.

Decreased muscle mass.
Diarrhea
Large belly that sticks out( protrudes)

Failure to gain weight and grow

Fatigue
Hair changes (change in color or texture)
Increased and more severe infection due to weakened or damaged

immune system.
Lethargy or apathy
Rash( Dermatitis)
Swelling (Edema; excess water retention in body tissue) which

makes them to look puffy and bloated.

Dehydration.
Irritability
Jaundice, drowsiness and a lowered body temperature.

Possible complication:
Coma
Shock
Permanent mental and physical disability.
EXAMS AND TESTS
The physical examination may show an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
and general swelling.
Test may include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Arterial blood gas

Bun
Complete blood count(CBC)
Creatinine clearance
Serum creatinine
Serum potassium
Total protein levels
Urinalysis.

TREATMENT

Known as severe protein deficiency disease, Kwashiorkor treatment plan

was scheduled by MD, Neil ; William and the health grades editorial staff
as follows: Getting more calories and protein will correct Kwashiorkor if
treatment is started early enough. The treatment depend on severity of
the condition. People who are in shock need immediate treatment to
restore blood volume and maintain blood pressure. Calories are given
first in form of carbohydrates, simple sugars, and fats. Protein are started
after other sources of calories have already provided energy. Vitamin and
Minerals supplements are essentials.
Since the person will have been without eating for a long period of time,
eating can cause problems, especially if the calories are too high at first.
Food must be reintroduced slowly. Carbohydrates are given first to supply
energy, followed by protein foods.
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.
OUTLOOK ( PROGNOSIS ).

MD Neil, MD, David and the health grades editorial staff agreed that
Getting treatment early generally leads to good results. Treating
Kwashiorkor in its late stages will improve the childs general health.
However the child may be left with permanent physical and mental
problems. Children who have had this condition will never rich their full
potential for height and growth. The effect such as short stature and
intellectual disability cannot be corrected once Kwashiorkor develops.
If treatment is not given or comes too late, this condition is life
threatening.
PREVENTION
To prevent Kwashiorkor make sure the diet has enough carbohydrates, fat
( at least 10%of total calories) and protein(12% of total calories).
As a dietary deficiency disease, Kwashiorkor can be prevented by eating
a well balanced diet. Food to include in diet: Meat, fish, dairy, eggs, soy,
and beans.
In my research I got much of information through internet from the given
references:

What is kwashiorkor; Updated by Neil k. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA

clinical assistant professor of pediatrics, university of Washington
school of medicine.
Also reviewed by David
ADAM editorial team.

Zieve, MD, MHA Isla Ogilvie, PHD, and the

Tamberlane, William. Yale guide to childrens nutrition.

New haven: Yale University
Press, 1997.
Health grades Editorial staff.