Protein-Energy Malnutrition

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is insufficient energy and/or protein intake, ranging from mild to severe. Clinical syndromes: marasmus (severe wasting, no edema), kwashiorkor (protein deficiency with edema, fatty liver), and marasmic kwashiorkor (mixed). In children it causes wasting and stunting; in hospitalized/elderly adults it is common and associated with poor outcomes. Refeeding syndrome must be prevented during nutritional rehabilitation.

Common Symptoms

Weight loss; wasting; muscle loss; edema (kwashiorkor); fatigue; diarrhea; impaired immunity; stunted growth in children

Causes and Pathogenesis

Inadequate dietary intake (poverty, famine, illness, dysphagia, anorexia) plus increased requirements/infection leads to depletion of somatic and visceral protein stores.

Treatment

Graded nutritional rehabilitation; treat infection; micronutrient repletion; prevent refeeding syndrome (slow calories, phosphate monitoring); ready-to-use therapeutic food in severe cases

Preventive Measures

Adequate nutrition; public-health feeding programs; early identification in hospitalized/elderly patients.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Nutrition department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.