Marasmus

marasmus /ma·ras·mus/ (mah-raz´mus) a form of protein-energy malnutrition predominantly due to prolonged severe caloric deficit, chiefly occurring in the first year of life, with growth retardation and wasting of subcutaneous fat and muscle.maran´ticmaras´mic

---

ma·ras·mus (m-rzms)

n.

Chronic wasting of body tissues, especially in young children, commonly due to prolonged dietary deficiency of protein and calories. Also called athrepsia.

---

ma·rasmic adj.

---

Marasmus

Severe malnutritution in children caused by a diet lacking in calories as well as protein. Marasmus may also be caused by disease and parasitic infection.

Mentioned in: Malnutrition, Starvation

---

marasmus (mraz´mus),

n a wasting disorder of malnutrition and partial starvation which occurs in infants and young children as a result of severe protein deficiency and insufficient caloric intake. See also kwashiorkor.

---

marasmus

a form of protein-calorie malnutrition characterized by growth retardation and wasting of subcutaneous fat and muscle, but usually with retention of appetite and mental alertness. See cobalt nutritional deficiency.