Protein energy malnutrition history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omodamola Aje B.Sc, M.D. [2]

History and Symptoms

History

The history of protein energy malnutrition includes a failure to thrive in children under 1 year of age especially after they have just been weaned of breast milk. It is important to take a detailed history of the kind of food that the infant eats. The infant is usually found to eat a meal that is deficient in protein. A history of recurrent infections is usually present due to a poorly developed immune system and living in crowded environment. Changes in skin with flaking like a paint wall is usually reported by the mother of the infant.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms of protein energy malnutrition include:

• Failure to thrive
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Changes in skin and hair pigment
• Decreased muscle mass
• Diarrhea
• Increased and more severe infections due to damaged immune system
• Edema
• Hepatomegaly

Less common symptoms

Less common symptoms seen in patients with protein emergy malnutrition include:

• Nail fissuring
• Shock
• Belly protusion