Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a clinical diagnosis. It is caused by severe protein deficiency due to poor nutrition - specifically protein-calorie malnutrition. There is often adequate calorie intake but inadequate protein in the diet. Kwashiorkor is therefore more common in developing countries where carbohydrates are the staple diet. Oedema often masks the poor weight gain. Clinical features are chronic diarrhoea, irritability, listlessness, apathy, and anorexia. Classically, these children have sparse discoloured hair, are oedematous, have tight skin and have abdominal distension. Marasmus is caused by total calorie malnutrition and does not cause oedema. Children with marasmus look emaciated and do not demonstrate abdominal distension.

Kwashiorkor, from Ghanaian = displaced child - so-called as it affects children who have newly been displaced form breastfeeding.

Marasmus, from Greek marasmos = waste away, decay