integrated management of marasmus

Endocrinologists are uniquely suited to provide consultation in the new field of metabolic support. This specialty incorporates management of electrolyte and mineral disorders, diabetes mellitus, and malnutrition. Principles of formulation of parenteral nutrition are discussed, with an emphasis on distinguishing marasmus from kwashiorkor types of cachexia, disease-specific treatment, nutritional pharmacology, and relevant controversies.

Potential indicators were assessed for the two classifications of protein-energy malnutrition in the guidelines for integrated management of childhood illness: severe malnutrition, which requires immediate referral to hospital, and very low weight, which calls for feeding assessment, nutritional counselling and follow-up. Children aged < 2 years require feeding assessment and counselling as a preventive intervention. For severe malnutrition, we examined 1202 children admitted to a Kenyan hospital for any association of the indicators with mortality within one month...