Biomaterial Database

Assessment of protein-calorie malnutrition. 1984

M Haider, and S Q Haider

We critically review the various methods for assessing protein--calorie malnutrition. These tests are lacking in sensitivity and specificity, and currently no single one can be used as a reliable indicator of malnutrition. However, a combination of several of them can be used as prognostic indicators and are of help in selecting patients who may benefit from nutritional support. Body-composition analyses and functional tests hold the promise of greater applicability in the future. Newer and more nearly accurate tests for use in diagnosis of protein-calorie malnutrition as well as for objectively monitoring short-term changes in response to nutritional repletion are badly needed. Despite a lack of consensus on the desirability of objective nutritional assessment, we expect the use of these procedures in hospitals to increase.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007121	Immunocompetence	The ability of lymphoid cells to mount a humoral or cellular immune response when challenged by antigen.	Competence, Immunologic,Immunologic Competence,Immunological Competence,Competence, Immunological
D007297	Inpatients	Persons admitted to health facilities which provide board and room, for the purpose of observation, care, diagnosis or treatment.	Inpatient
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
D008762	Methylhistidines	Histidine substituted in any position with one or more methyl groups.	Methylhistidine
D009584	Nitrogen	An element with the atomic symbol N, atomic number 7, and atomic weight [14.00643; 14.00728]. Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas and makes up about 78% of the earth's atmosphere by volume. It is a constituent of proteins and nucleic acids and found in all living cells.
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
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
D001823	Body Composition	The relative amounts of various components in the body, such as percentage of body fat.	Body Compositions,Composition, Body,Compositions, Body
D001835	Body Weight	The mass or quantity of heaviness of an individual. It is expressed by units of pounds or kilograms.	Body Weights,Weight, Body,Weights, Body
D002648	Child	A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL.	Children