Protein Energy Malnutrition Flashcards

Study Notes

Malnutrition

Defined by WHO as deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in energy and nutrient intake.

Malnutrition Classification

Undernutrition
- Stunting: low height for age.
- Wasting: low weight for height.
- Underweight: low weight for age.
- Micronutrient deficiencies: lack of essential vitamins and minerals.
Overnutrition
- Includes overweight and obesity leading to diet-related noncommunicable diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

Classification of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

Kwashiorkor: predominant protein malnutrition.
Marasmus: deficiency in calorie intake.
Marasmic Kwashiorkor: both protein deficiency and marked calorie insufficiency, considered a severe form of malnutrition.

Etiology of Malnutrition

Nutritional Causes
- Poor diet or absorption issues.
- Increased energy demand due to health conditions or recovery from injuries.
Health Conditions
- Chronic illnesses like cancer, liver diseases, and COPD can reduce appetite.
- Mental health conditions like depression can affect hunger.
- Digestive disorders disrupt nutrient absorption.
Medication Effects
- Certain medicines can diminish appetite or hinder nutrient absorption.
Social and Physical Factors
- Poor dental health affects eating ability.
- Physical disabilities can limit cooking and shopping.
- Social isolation and low income are contributing factors.

Pathogenesis of Malnutrition

Physiological Response to Starvation
- Various metabolic processes including glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis occur in response to lack of nutrients.
Fluid and Electrolyte Changes
- Loss of potassium due to diarrhea causes intracellular deficits; kwashiorkor can lead to edema from fluid imbalance.
Oxidative Stress
- Reduced antioxidant intake due to severe malnutrition increases oxidative stress.
Susceptibility to Infection
- Malnutrition leads to secondary immunodeficiency, increasing infection risk, notably with gram-negative bacteria associated with marasmus.
Gastrointestinal System Impacts
- Villous atrophy results in decreased nutrient absorption and impaired digestion.
Central Nervous System Changes
- Severe malnutrition alters brain function and behavior, leading to developmental impairments.
Endocrine Function Affects
- Atrophy of adrenal and pituitary glands occurs without significant hormonal changes initially.
Cardiovascular System Consequences
- Malnutrition leads to myofibril thinning and decreased cardiac output, causing weight loss and electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to arrhythmias.

Methods of Nutritional Assessment

Direct Methods: Individual assessments using objective criteria.
- Includes anthropometric, clinical, dietary, and biochemical evaluations.
Indirect Methods: Community-level assessments reflecting overall nutritional status.

Anthropometric Methods

Involves measuring body height, weight, and body proportions.
Essential for examining infants, children, and pregnant women.
Measurements are compared against age and sex-specific reference data for nutritional evaluation.
Tools include stadiometers for height and various scales for weight assessment.

Description

Test your knowledge on protein energy malnutrition with these insightful flashcards. Learn definitions, classifications, and the effects of malnutrition on health. Perfect for students and professionals in nutrition or healthcare fields.