Definition

Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet.

Alternative Names

Protein malnutrition; Protein-calorie malnutrition; Malignant malnutrition

Causes

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

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)

Exams and Tests

The physical exam may show an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and general bodily swelling.

Tests may include:

• Arterial blood gas
• BUN
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Creatinine clearance
• Serum creatinine
• Serum potassium
• Total protein levels
• Urinalysis

Treatment

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

• Coma
• Permanent mental and physical disability
• Shock

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if your child has symptoms of kwashiorkor.

Prevention

To prevent kwashiorkor, make sure your diet has enough carbohydrates, fat (at least 10% of total calories), and protein (12% of total calories).

References

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.