Marasmus

Subject: Community Health Nursing II

Overview

The main cause of marasmus is energy deficiency. A child doesn't consume enough nutritious food or carbohydrates. As a result, the child loses muscle because the muscle protein is required for energy. This child's hands, legs, and arms are all extremely slender. The signs of marasmus include the child appearing too big for their body, having visible ribs, having a "little old person's" expression due to the loss of fat pads under their skin, crying frequently, and being inactive.

The main cause of marasmus is energy deficiency. The child doesn't consume enough nutritious food or carbohydrates. As a result, the youngster loses muscle mass as the muscle protein is consumed for energy. These youngsters are frequently compared to "little old men."

Marasmus can happen at any age, but it most frequently affects children between the ages of 9 months and 3 years. However, the first year of life is when the incidence is at its highest.

Sign and Symptoms

  • The youngster has very skinny limbs and legs, hands that appear to be too big for their bodies, exposed ribs, and a "little old person's" expression from the loss of fat pads under the skin.
  • The child is passive and weeps frequently.
  • Less than 60% of the normal weight for their age, the youngster is externally underweight.
  • The youngster is always crying and agitated.
  • Diarrhea that has persisted for a while may occasionally be the cause of the visit to the health professional.

Management of Marasmus

  • Routine examination and anthropometry measurements
  • Provide the nourishing food if necessary.
  • Treat them if they are ill if they are.
  • Determine the underlying causes and address them.
  • Give the parents information on nutrition.
  • Everyday weigh yourself.
  • Addition of additional vitamins and minerals

REFERENCE

Adhikari R.K and Krantz M.E, 2001, Child Nutrition and Health, 3rd edition, HLMC

Ambika Rai, Kabita Dahal. Community Health Nursing II. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2012 (reprint).

Dr.Suwal S.N. & Tuitui R. (2063) A Textbook of Community Health Nursing, 1st edition, Vidyarthi Prakashan (P). Ltd. Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu

HealthLine. 2005. 2017 http://www.healthline.com/health/marasmus

Management of the Child with a Serious Infection or Severe Malnutrition, 2000, Department of Child and Adolescent Health & Development, WHO

Mandal, G.N. Textbook of Adult Nursing. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2013.

Medscape. 1994. 2017 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/984496-overview
Things to remember
  • The main cause of marasmus is energy deficiency.
  • A child doesn't consume enough nutritious food or carbohydrates.
  • Children are frequently compared to "little old men" in descriptions.
  • Marasmus symptoms include a big physique and clearly visible ribs.
  • Regular checkups, a nutritious diet, daily kid weight checks, and vitamin and mineral supplements can all help treat it.
Questions and Answers

Marasmus

Marasmus is primarily caused by an energy deficiency. The child does not eat enough high-quality carbohydrates. As a result, the muscle protein is used for energy, and the child loses muscle tissue. These children are frequently described as "little old men."

Marasmus can happen at any age, but it is most common between the ages of 9 months and 3 years.

Symptoms and signs

  • The child has very thin arms and legs, the hand appears to be too large for the body, the ribs are visible, and the child has a "little old person's" expression due to the loss of fat pads beneath the skin.
  • The child is inactive and frequently cries.
  • The child is externally underweight for their age, weighing less than 60% of their expected weight.
  • The child is constantly crying and irritable.
  • Diarrhea for an extended period of time is sometimes the reason for visiting a health worker.


Marasmus management

  • Regular check-ups and anthropometry measurements are required.
  • If necessary, provide nutritious food.
  • Treat any illnesses that arise.
  • Determine and treat the underlying causes.
  • Parents should be educated on nutrition.
  • Take your weight every day.
  • Other vitamin and mineral supplements

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