Protein energy malnutrition laboratory tests: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
There are no specific laboratory tests, group of tests, or indices that are satisfactory for the assessment of protein energy malnutrition. However, laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of protein energy malnutrition include abnormally [[Hypoglycemia|low blood glucose]], [[hypoalbuminemia]] (10-25 g/L), [[hypoproteinemia]] ([[transferrin]], [[essential amino acids]], [[lipoprotein]])and [[hypoglycemia]]. | |||
==Laboratory findings== | ==Laboratory findings== | ||
Revision as of 13:33, 9 August 2017
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Protein energy malnutrition Microchapters |
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Patient Information |
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Differentiating Protein energy malnutrition from other Diseases |
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Diagnosis |
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Protein energy malnutrition laboratory tests On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Protein energy malnutrition laboratory tests |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Protein energy malnutrition laboratory tests |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omodamola Aje B.Sc, M.D. [2]
Overview
There are no specific laboratory tests, group of tests, or indices that are satisfactory for the assessment of protein energy malnutrition. However, laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of protein energy malnutrition include abnormally low blood glucose, hypoalbuminemia (10-25 g/L), hypoproteinemia (transferrin, essential amino acids, lipoprotein)and hypoglycemia.
Laboratory findings
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of protein energy malnutrition include:
- Abnormally low blood glucose
- Abnormal blood smears by microscopy or direct detection testing
- Decreased serum hemoglobin
- Abnormal urinalysis and culture
Specific laboratory findings in patients with kwashiorkor include:
- Hypoalbuminemia (10-25 g/L)
- Hypoproteinemia (transferrin, essential amino acids, lipoprotein)
- Hypoglycemia
- Elevated plasma cortisol and growth hormone levels
- Decreased insulin secretion and insulin-like growth factor
- Increased percentage of body water and extracellular water
- Depletion of electrolytes, especially potassium and magnesium
- Decreased levels of some enzymes (including lactase)
- Iron deficiency anemia and metabolic acidosis
Specific laboratory findings in patients with marasmus include:
- Increased urinary 3-methylhistidine, a reflection of muscle breakdown
- Urinary excretion of hydroxyproline is diminished, reflecting impaired growth and wound healing
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Metabolic acidosis