WALVIS BAY

GROUP 3
Objectives

 Define the term Marasmus.

 What are the causes of marasmus?
 What are the sign and symptoms of marasmus?
 Prevention of marasmus?
 Treatments of marasmus?
 MARASMUS

DEFINITION
Marasmus is a severe manifestation of protein-energy malnutrition (severe form
of malnutrition) that can affect anyone but is mainly seen in children. The body
weight is reduced, severe muscle wasting and appearance of individual is
similar to a skeleton with ribs sticking out.

Causes of Marasmus
Marasmus is mainly caused by severely deficiency nutrients like calories,
protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals due to malnourishment.
Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are also a major causes of this disorder.
Sign and symptoms of Marasmus

-The main symptom of marasmus is being underweight (weight loss).

Children with this condition have lost a lot of muscles mass and subcutaneous
fat.
- prominent skeleton
- Dry, loose skin
- sunken fontanelles in infants
- Brittle hair.
- stomach infection and lactose intolerance
- Anaemia due to iron deficieny
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Dehydration
Risk factors of Marasmus

Poor diet. A nutrient- rich, balanced-diet is important for growth, especially

in children. If you have a poor diet that lacks essential nutrients, you may be
at risk of marasmus.

Food shortages. Famine and poverty struck areas have a larger percentages
of children suffering from marasmus due to lack of food.

Infections and diseases. Infections and diseases caused by bacteria, viruses.

Parasite, and other pathogens can cause loss of appetite which can lead to low
intake if essential nutrients in infected children. It can also caused by poor
absorption of nutrients due to celiac diseases and pancreatic problems.

Insufficient breastfeeding. Mother's milk is rich in nutrients that help

children to grow. If mothers are malnourished, they are unable to feed their
infants enough milk during breastfeeding. It can increase the chances of
protein-energy malnutrition in children.
Diagnose of marasmus

Marasmus can be diagnosed by physical examination, where by the health care worker generally check if your height and your weight are appropriate for your age. In children their girth of middle upper
arm is measured with a tape to check for malnutrition. This measurement is known as MUAC.
Continue…

 Blood test are carry out to check for the presence of any microbial infections
 Urine and stool test for examining diarrhoea and nutritional deficiency
disorders
What happens to the body in marasmus disease?
Nutrients are the main source of energy for the body which is responsible for
building and repairing body tissues. When the intake of nutrient and energy is
too low, the body reduce its metabolism, lowering blood pressure, reducing
body temperature and creating a weak immune diseases which may lead to
heart failure.
Prevention of Marasmus

Marasmus is a life-threatening nutrition deficiency disorder which may lead to

death if the symptoms are ignored.
 The best way to prevent marasmus is to have an adequate intake of calories,
protein, preferably from a healthful, well-balanced diet. Calorie-rich food
include proteins: red meat, chicken, dairy products (milk and yogurt), eggs, fish.
Carbohydrates: potatoes, bread, rice, cereals.
 Vegetables and fruits are essential for providing other nutrients and minerals
and for preventing vitamin deficiencies
 Intake of more water to stay hydrated
 Maintaining good sanitation and hygiene (eating washed and well cooked food).
Treatment of marasmus

The first and primary treatment prescribed for the patient suffering from
marasmus includes:
• Multivitamin supplements to improve appetite and nutrition deficiency
• Dehydration symptoms can be prevented by the intake of water and other
fluid that contain electrolytes.
• Few antibiotics or other medications are given to treat children with
pathogens infections
• A well balanced diet is given once after the child’s condition is stable and
start to recover slowly.
• Diet rich in protein like skimmed milk, and other energy-providing food
supplements to increase the energy content.
References:

Brown, R. (2020). Marasmus Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment.