Saturday, December 24, 2011

Comparison of the features of kwashiorkor and marasmus


FeatureKwashiorkorMarasmus
Growth failurePresentPresent
WastingPresentPresent, marked
OedemaPresent (sometimes mild)Absent
Hair changesCommonLess common
Mental changesVery commonUncommon
Dermatosis, flaky-paintCommonDoes not occur
AppetitePoorGood
AnaemiaSevere (sometimes)Present, less severe
Subcutaneous fatReduced but presentAbsent
FaceMay be oedematousDrawn in, monkey-like
Fatty infiltration of liverPresentAbsent