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Title
Marasmus
ImagePath
System
protein-energy malnutrition
Overview
Inadequate total caloric intake causing tissue wasting.
Pathophysiology
Body adapts by mobilizing fat and muscle; no edema due to relatively preserved albumin.
Presentation
Severe wasting, loss of subcutaneous fat, ravenous appetite, stunted growth, immune suppression.
Diagnosis
Weight < 60% expected, albumin usually normal.
Management
Gradual caloric refeeding with micronutrients; treat infections; psychosocial support.
Epidemiology
Famine, severe neglect, cachexia in chronic disease (cancer, COPD).
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