Protein energy malnutrition natural history, complications and prognosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omodamola Aje B.Sc, M.D. [2]

Natural history, Complications, Prognosis

Natural history

The symptoms of protein energy malnutrition usually develop between the first and fifth year of life, and start with symptoms such as lethargy, irritability, failure to thrive, decreased muscle mass, diarrhea, and recurrent infections due to decreased immunity. without treatment patients with protein energy malnutrition which comprises of kwashiorkor and marasmus present with changes in their facial appearance with children with kwashiorkor having moon faces while those with marasmus develop monkey like face due to loss of subcutaneous fat pad in the cheeks. There is generalized edema, hepatomegaly, changes in skin, hair color and texture, recurrent infections like diarrhea with kwashiorkor which will eventually lead to overwhelming shock and sepsis and death.

Complications

Complications that can develop as a result of protein energy malnutrition are:

• Coma
• Permanent mental and physical retardation
• Shock

Prognosis

The prognosis of protein energy malnutrition is good with treatment. Without treatment, protein energy malnutrition will result in recurrent infection leading to death.