Biomaterial Database

Rehabilitating the severely malnourished infant and child. 1985

N W Solomons

The failure of public health measures to control protein-energy malnutrition means that continued therapeutic, curative programs for the rehabilitation of severely malnourished infants and children will be needed for the foreseeable future. Successful rehabilitation requires an understanding of the biology of malnutrition and of the dietary guidelines for provision of appropriate formulas. It is important to recognize that protein-energy malnutrition represents a metabolically and physiologically adapted state but that full recuperation entails compensatory weight gain for recovery of the expected weight for height and body composition. Overzealous early feeding is to be avoided; protein- and energy-rich diets must be introduced gradually and sustained to provide the nutrients necessary for rapid catch-up growth. Therapy involves a three-stage process of addressing acute problems, restoring nutrient balance, and ensuring nutritional rehabilitation. Despite intestinal changes due to malnutrition, intact milk provides a suitable protein source for formulation of recovery diets. As long as protein-energy malnutrition remains prevalent, research to improve its treatment will remain a high investigative priority.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007223	Infant	A child between 1 and 23 months of age.	Infants
D007228	Infant Nutrition Disorders	Disorders caused by nutritional imbalance, either overnutrition or undernutrition, occurring in infants ages 1 month to 24 months.	Infant Malnutrition,Malnutrition, Infant,Nutrition Disorders, Infant,Infant Overnutrition,Infantile Malnutrition,Malnutrition in Infant,Infant Nutrition Disorder,Malnutrition in Infants,Malnutrition, Infantile,Nutrition Disorder, Infant,Overnutrition, Infant
D007501	Iron	A metallic element with atomic symbol Fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55.85. It is an essential constituent of HEMOGLOBINS; CYTOCHROMES; and IRON-BINDING PROTEINS. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of OXYGEN.	Iron-56,Iron 56
D007732	Kwashiorkor	A syndrome produced by severe protein deficiency, characterized by retarded growth, changes in skin and hair pigment, edema, and pathologic changes in the liver, including fatty infiltration, necrosis, and fibrosis. The word is a local name in Gold Coast, Africa, meaning "displaced child". Although first reported from Africa, kwashiorkor is now known throughout the world, but mainly in the tropics and subtropics. It is considered to be related to marasmus. (From Dorland, 27th ed)	Kwashiorkors
D011502	Protein-Energy Malnutrition	The lack of sufficient energy or protein to meet the body's metabolic demands, as a result of either an inadequate dietary intake of protein, intake of poor quality dietary protein, increased demands due to disease, or increased nutrient losses.	Marasmus,Protein-Calorie Malnutrition,Malnutrition, Protein-Calorie,Malnutrition, Protein-Energy,Malnutritions, Protein-Energy,Protein Calorie Malnutrition,Protein Energy Malnutrition
D002648	Child	A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL.	Children
D003677	Deficiency Diseases	A condition produced by dietary or metabolic deficiency. The term includes all diseases caused by an insufficient supply of essential nutrients, i.e., protein (or amino acids), vitamins, and minerals. It also includes an inadequacy of calories. (From Dorland, 27th ed; Stedman, 25th ed)	Deficiency Disease,Disease, Deficiency,Diseases, Deficiency
D004064	Digestive System	A group of organs stretching from the MOUTH to the ANUS, serving to breakdown foods, assimilate nutrients, and eliminate waste. In humans, the digestive system includes the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT and the accessory glands (LIVER; BILIARY TRACT; PANCREAS).	Ailmentary System,Alimentary System
D006128	Growth	Gradual increase in the number, the size, and the complexity of cells of an individual. Growth generally results in increase in ORGAN WEIGHT; BODY WEIGHT; and BODY HEIGHT.
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man