Protein‑Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
Definition:
PEM is an energy deficit caused by inadequate intake of macronutrients, commonly seen as marasmus, kwashiorkor, and marasmic‑kwashiorkor.
Forms of PEM:
Marasmus: Severe calorie and protein deficit → extreme wasting, “monkey-like” face, thin limbs.
Kwashiorkor: Protein deficit post-weaning → edema, fatty liver, skin/hair changes.
Marasmic-Kwashiorkor: Features of both.
Classification Systems:
Gómez (Wt/Age): >90% normal, ≤60% = 3rd-degree malnutrition
Waterlow (Ht/Age): >95% normal, ≤85% = 3rd-degree
IAP (Wt/Age): >80% normal, ≤50% = Grade IV
WHO Terms:
Stunting = Height-for-age < -2 SD
Underweight = Weight-for-age < -2 SD
Wasting = Weight-for-height < -2 SD
Clinical Features:
Marasmus: Wasting of fat and muscle, no edema, low serum proteins, anemia
Kwashiorkor: Edema, fatty liver, low albumin, anemia, skin/hair changes
Diagnostic Evaluation:
Clinical: History, physical signs
Anthropometry: Wt/Ht/age z-scores, MUAC
Lab: CBC, serum albumin, electrolytes
Dietary: 24-hour recall
Imaging: If comorbidities suspected
Management Phases:
Initial (1–2 weeks):
Stabilize – manage hypoglycemia (10% dextrose), hypothermia (warmth), infections (antibiotics), dehydration (ORS/ReSoMal), correct electrolytes, give vit A, K, folate. Small, frequent feeds (milk-based); NG if needed.
Rehabilitative (2–6 weeks):
Increase diet to 150 kcal/kg/day, give fluids (100–125 mL/kg/day), structured stimulation.
Follow-Up:
Discharge when Wt/Ht ≥85–90% expected. Train caregivers for home care and follow-up.
Hospitalization Needed:
Children with weight <60% expected, <1 year, or complications.
Nursing Management:
Assess for malnutrition, complications
Monitor vitals, weight, glucose, electrolytes
Administer feeds and supplements (vit A, iron, zinc)
Rehydrate with ORS/IV fluids
Educate caregivers on protein-rich diets and hygiene
Involve parents for better home continuity
Prevention Strategies:
Promote breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding
Nutritional counselling for mothers
Regular growth monitoring and immunization
Improve sanitation, clean water access, food security
Implement feeding programs for at-risk children
Possible Nursing Diagnoses:
Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
Risk for infection
Fluid volume deficit
Impaired skin integrity
Delayed growth and development
Knowledge deficit regarding nutrition
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