What is the cause of fatty liver in kwashiorkor?
Abstract. Recent abservations suggest that a relative deficiency in the synthesis of beta protein, rather than a deficiency in choline for phosphatidyl choline synthesis, is the more likely cause of liver steatosis in kwashiorkor.
What is the pathophysiology of kwashiorkor?
Children with kwashiorkor were found to have profoundly low levels of albumin and, as a result, became intravascularly depleted. Subsequently, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases in response to hypovolemia, resulting in edema. Plasma renin also responds aggressively, causing sodium retention.
What is the reason why a child with marasmus has a fatty liver?
Muscle proteins are converted into amino acids and are used for the hepatic synthesis of lipoproteins. These lipoproteins contribute to the mobilization of triglycerides from the liver. In contrast, during kwashiorkor, this function is impaired, resulting in liver steatosis, which is not usually present in marasmus.
What is the difference between kwashiorkor and marasmus?
Kwashiorkor, a severe protein deficiency, causes fluid retention and a protruding abdomen. On the other hand, the condition marasmus, which results from severe calorie deficiency, leads to wasting and significant fat and muscle loss (5). Undernutrition can also result in micronutrient deficiencies.
What is the deficiency of kwashiorkor?
Kwashiorkor is a form of acute malnutrition that occurs due to protein deficiency. Kwashiorkor is a serious condition that can happen when a person does not consume enough protein. Severe protein deficiency can lead to fluid retention, which can make the stomach look bloated.
What are the signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor and marasmus?
Kwashiorkor
| Marasmus symptoms | Kwashiorkor symptoms |
|---|---|
| weight loss | an inability to grow or gain weight |
| dehydration | edema, or swelling of the hands and feet |
| stomach shrinkage | stomach bulging |
| diarrhea |
What is the difference between marasmus and kwashiorkor?
Marasmus is severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency. Kwashiorkor is a protein deficiency disorder with adequate energy intake, whereas Marasmus is inadequate energy intake including proteins.
How is fatty liver diagnosed?
In many cases, fatty liver disease is diagnosed after blood tests show elevated liver enzymes. For example, your doctor may order the alanine aminotransferase test (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase test (AST) to check your liver enzymes.
What kind of liver does a child with kwashiorkor have?
The liver in these children is large and fatty, exhibiting a considerable decrease in the concentration of plasma proteins, especially albumin. In addition, the blood lipid transport is defective. Children with kwashiorkor are apathetic, disinterested individuals with marked irritability.
Which is the most significant clinical feature of kwashiorkor?
Edema is the most significant clinical feature of kwashiorkor. The liver in these children is large and fatty, exhibiting a considerable decrease in the concentration of plasma proteins, especially albumin. In addition, the blood lipid transport is defective.
Is there a link between marasmus and kwashiorkor?
Kwashiorkor is not caused by a relative deficiency in protein intake, as was previously believed; in fact, protein and energy intakes are similar in children with kwashiorkor and marasmus.
How is albumin concentration related to kwashiorkor?
Kwashiorkor is characterized by peripheral edema in a person suffering from starvation. Edema results from a loss of fluid balance between hydrostatic and oncotic pressures across capillary blood vessel walls. Albumin concentration contributes to the oncotic pressure, allowing the body to keep fluids within the vasculature.