This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: What is the difference between kwashiorkor and marasmus? ... (Read 64 times)

mckennatimberlake

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 559
What is the difference between kwashiorkor and marasmus?

Question 2

How much does an infant's weight change between birth and 4 to 6 months?
 a. Weight doesn't change significantly
  b. Weight doubles
  c. Weight triples
  d. Weight quadruples



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

eliasc0401

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 338
Answer to Question 1

Severe PEM encompasses a continuum of malnutrition: at the extremes are two distinct types of severe PEM, and between them conditions that combine features of both.
Marasmus is at one end of the continuum. It results from severe, chronic, overall malnutrition. In marasmus, fat and muscle tissue are depleted, and the skin hangs in loose folds, with the bones clearly visible beneath the skin. Children with marasmus tend at first to be alert and ravenously hungry, although with increasing severity they become apathetic and lose their appetites. Clinicians often say that marasmus represents the body's survival response to long-term, chronic dietary insufficiency.
Kwashiorkor is the other extreme type of PEM. It is often distinguished from marasmus by the presence of severe edema. While edema sometimes is present in children with marasmus, those with kwashiorkor usually have more extensive edema, which typically starts in the legs but often involves the entire body. Fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity. Children with kwashiorkor sometimes have large, distended abdomens due to ascites. Because malnourished children often have intestinal parasites, worms sometimes contribute to this abdominal distension as well. Children with kwashiorkor often are apathetic and have cracked and peeling skin, enlarged fatty livers, and sparse unnaturally blond or red hair. Although many characteristics of kwashiorkor were once thought simply to be caused by protein deficiency, this does not appear to be the case. Researchers now believe that many of the signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor are the result of micronutrient deficiencies, for example vitamin A deficiency, in combination with infection or other environmental stressors.

Answer to Question 2

b



mckennatimberlake

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 559

eliasc0401

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 338

 

Did you know?

There are major differences in the metabolism of morphine and the illegal drug heroin. Morphine mostly produces its CNS effects through m-receptors, and at k- and d-receptors. Heroin has a slight affinity for opiate receptors. Most of its actions are due to metabolism to active metabolites (6-acetylmorphine, morphine, and morphine-6-glucuronide).

Did you know?

Fewer than 10% of babies are born on their exact due dates, 50% are born within 1 week of the due date, and 90% are born within 2 weeks of the date.

Did you know?

The first oral chemotherapy drug for colon cancer was approved by FDA in 2001.

Did you know?

More than 50% of American adults have oral herpes, which is commonly known as "cold sores" or "fever blisters." The herpes virus can be active on the skin surface without showing any signs or causing any symptoms.

Did you know?

Though “Krazy Glue” or “Super Glue” has the ability to seal small wounds, it is not recommended for this purpose since it contains many substances that should not enter the body through the skin, and may be harmful.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library