Marasmus

Marasmus is a severe Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) A child with marasmus looks emaciated and the body weight may reduce to less than 80% of the normal weight for that height.

Characteristic

• dry skin,skin fold,loss adipose tissue(fat cell)

• Are often fretful,irritable,voraciously hungry

Therapy

• It is essential to treat not only the symptoms but also the complications of the disorder like infection,dehydration and circulation disorders, which are frequently lethal and lead to high mortality if ignored
• The nutritional needs of children in the rehabilitation stage require at least 150 kcal/kg/day
• Dehydration must be addressed with oral rehydration therapy
  
• Micro nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A def, require supplementation.