Plasma biochemical parameters in Nigerian children with protein energy malnutrition.

Abstract

Eleven plasma biochemical parameters were estimated in a total of 28 children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM): 7 children each category of marasmus, kwashiorkor, marasmic-kwashiorkor and undernutrition with ages between 8 and 48 months. The estimations were performed on admission and 8 to 24 days after treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Nigeria. Plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate and albumin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher after treatment than on admission. Calcium however, showed no significant change. Total protein and cholesterol were significantly (p < 0.05) raised after treatment for all the PEM types except undernutrition and kwashiorkor respectively. Globulin, urea and creatinine were significantly (p < 0.05) raised after treatment for kwashiorkor. These biochemical findings support the claims of clinical improvement in PEM children after a minimum of 18 days of treatment at the OAUTHC in Nigeria.

• Authors: O O Taiwo, K D Thomas
• Journal: East African medical journal (East Afr Med J) Vol. 69 Issue 8 Pg. 428-32 (Aug 1992) ISSN: 0012-835X [Print] Kenya
• PMID: 1396208 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Electrolytes
• Serum Albumin

Topics

• Body Weight
• Child Nutrition Disorders (blood, classification, therapy)
• Child, Preschool
• Electrolytes (blood)
• Hospitals, University
• Humans
• Infant
• Nigeria (epidemiology)
• Nutrition Assessment
• Protein-Energy Malnutrition (blood, classification, therapy)
• Serum Albumin (analysis)