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

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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.

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ma·rasmic adj.

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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

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marasmus

[məraz′məs]

Etymology: Gk, marasmos, a wasting

a condition of extreme malnutrition and emaciation, occurring chiefly in young children. It is characterized by progressive wasting of subcutaneous tissue and muscle. Marasmus results from a lack of adequate calories and proteins and is seen in children with failure to thrive and in individuals in a state of starvation. Less commonly it results from an inability to assimilate or use protein because of a defect in metabolism. Care of the marasmic child involves the reestablishment of fluid and electrolyte balance, followed by the slow and gradual addition of foods as they are tolerated. See also kwashiorkor.

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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.

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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.

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marasmus

A state of severe malnutrition, due to ↓ ingestion of protein and calories, due to poor diet, feeding habits, parent-child relationship or metabolic defects Clinical FTT, weight loss, emaciation, ↓ skin turgor, skin and muscle atrophy; children are wizened, listless, abdominal distension and edema, 'starvation stools', hypotonia, hypothermia, ↓ metabolism. Cf Kwashiorkor.