Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) (also called protein-energy malnutrition or PEM) occurs when a child doesn’t eat enough protein and energy (measured by calories) to meet nutritional needs.

What are the causes of protein calorie malnutrition?

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a common childhood disorder and is primarily caused by deficiency of energy, protein, and micronutrients. PEM manifests as underweight (low body weight compared with healthy peers), stunting (poor linear growth), wasting (acute weight loss), or edematous malnutrition (kwashiorkor).

Which is example for both protein calorie malnutrition?

Protein-calorie malnutrition is separated into two forms, kwashiorkor and marasmus. Kwashiorkor is a state of acute, severe protein-calorie malnutrition resulting in edema and hair changes, often accompanied by encephalopathy. Marasmus is the chronic form of this disorder and causes apathy and growth failure.

How is protein calorie malnutrition treated?

Milk-based formulas are the treatment of choice. At the beginning of dietary treatment, patients should be fed ad libitum. After 1 week, intake rates should approach 175 kcal/kg and 4 g/kg of protein for children and 60 kcal/kg and 2 g/kg of protein for adults. A daily multivitamin should also be added.

What are the signs and symptoms of protein calorie malnutrition?

Clinical signs and symptoms of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) include the following:

  • Poor weight gain.
  • Slowing of linear growth.
  • Behavioral changes – Irritability, apathy, decreased social responsiveness, anxiety, and attention deficits.

What deficiency disease is caused by lack of protein?

What Is Kwashiorkor? Kwashiorkor, also known as “edematous malnutrition” because of its association with edema (fluid retention), is a nutritional disorder most often seen in regions experiencing famine. It is a form of malnutrition caused by a lack of protein in the diet.

Which is the correct definition of protein calorie malnutrition?

Protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) is the state of inadequate intake of food (as a source of protein, calories, and other essential nutrients) occurring in the absence of significant inflammation, injury, or another condition that elicits a systemic inflammatory response. This is also known as protein energy malnutrition (see Table I).

What can cause protein calorie malnutrition in children?

Tuberculosis, HIV and gastrointestinal infections can also contribute to this type of protein-calorie malnutrition. An inadequate quantity of protein in a child’s diet can cause her immune system to decline. Protein-calorie malnutrition can be a fatal condition if not properly detected and treated in its earliest stages.

How is protein calorie malnutrition related to liver failure?

Malnutrition is a common cause of chronic liver failure. Marasmus, a second type of protein-calorie malnutrition, is usually found in infants. This form primarily occurs when infants are switched from breastfeeding to solid foods that may be high in calories, but that still do not provide enough protein.

How to diagnose protein-calorie malnutrition in the elderly?

Protein-calorie malnutrition In order to improve the reporting of malnutrition among the elderly, it is important for providers to document the condition in the medical record and for coders to be aware of malnutrition as a potential diagnosis (ICD-10-CM codes E44.0, E44.1 and E46).