Marasmus

Marasmus

1. Definition: Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by a significant loss of body weight and body fat, leading to a weak and wasted state. It is often seen in children, particularly those under the age of 5.

2. Causes / Etiology: The main cause of marasmus is a severe lack of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, in the diet. This can be due to various factors such as poverty, food insecurity, or an underlying medical condition that affects the digestive system.

3. Types or Classification: There are two main types of marasmus:

• Generalized marasmus: Characterized by a uniform wasting of muscles and fat all over the body.
• Localized marasmus: Characterizes by localized wasting, mainly in the limbs and buttocks.

4. Pathology: The process of marasmus involves the following steps:

• Nutrient deficiency →
• Inadequate energy production →
• Muscle and fat breakdown →
• Loss of body weight and body mass →
• Weakness and wasting of muscles and organs →
• Decreased immune function and increased susceptibility to infections.

5. Clinical Features: General features:

• Severe weight loss
• Muscle wasting
• Fat loss
• Poor appetite
• Diarrhea
• Skin lesions

Specific features:

• Children under 5 years of age are more susceptible
• Malnutrition is the primary cause
• Generalized or localized wasting of muscles and fat

6. Complications:

• Acute complications: Diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and infections.
• Chronic complications: Stunted growth, developmental delays, impaired immune function, and increased risk of mortality.

7. Diagnosis / Investigations: Routine tests:

• Weight and height measurement
• Body mass index (BMI) calculation
• Blood tests for anemia and other nutrient deficiencies Special tests:
• Biochemical tests for protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism
• Imaging studies to assess muscle and fat wasting

8. Management:

• General management: Provide a balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
• Modern treatment: Nutritional supplements, antibiotics for infections, and rehydration therapy for dehydration.
• Dietary advice: Include foods rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and avoid foods that are high in sugar and salt.

9. Homeopathic Therapeutics:

• Calcarea carbonica: Wasting away of muscles, pale skin, and poor appetite.
• Calcarea phosphorica: Muscle weakness, fatigue, and poor digestion.
• Phosphorus: Wasting away of muscles, skin lesions, and poor appetite.
• Natrum muriaticum: Muscle weakness, fatigue, and poor digestion.
• Nux vomica: Wasting away of muscles, skin lesions, and poor appetite.

Calcarea carbonica:

• Wasting away of muscles
• Pale skin
• Poor appetite
• Lethargic
• Cold extremities
• Indifference to surroundings
• Wasting away of muscles

Calcarea phosphorica:

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Poor digestion
• Indifference to surroundings
• Wasting away of muscles
• Skin lesions
• Poor appetite

Phosphorus:

• Wasting away of muscles
• Skin lesions
• Poor appetite
• Lethargic
• Pale skin
• Indifference to surroundings
• Wasting away of muscles

Natrum muriaticum:

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Poor digestion
• Indifference to surroundings
• Wasting away of muscles
• Skin lesions
• Poor appetite

Nux vomica:

• Wasting away of muscles
• Skin lesions
• Poor appetite
• Lethargic
• Pale skin
• Indifference to surroundings
• Wasting away of muscles