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Marasmus in Child
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Marasmus in Child

Contributors: Craig N. Burkhart MD, Dean Morrell MD, Lowell A. Goldsmith MD, MPH
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Marasmus is a disorder of malnutrition that is a result of total calorie starvation, especially protein and energy. It is often seen in children under 5 years of age, most commonly in developing countries (although older children and adults can have marasmus). The decreased nutrition is usually secondary to weaning problems resulting from disease, poor hygiene, poverty, and cultural factors. Young children with repeated bouts of gastroenteritis are particularly at risk.

Patients are emaciated with loss of the subcutaneous fat and muscle. The skin is dry and loose. They also have thin, fragile hair and nail abnormalities.

Codes

ICD10CM:
E41 – Nutritional marasmus

SNOMEDCT:
29740003 – Nutritional marasmus

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

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Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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References

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Last Updated:11/19/2019
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Marasmus in Child
A medical illustration showing key findings of Marasmus : Failure to thrive, Fine scaly plaque, Cachexia
Clinical image of Marasmus - imageId=2356771. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Diffuse scaling of the trunk and arm in a very thin infant.'
Diffuse scaling of the trunk and arm in a very thin infant.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.