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Acute inpatient presentation of kwashiorkor: not just a diagnosis of the developing world

Kevin P Boyd1, Aleodor Andea, Lauren C Hughey

  • 1Departments of DermatologyPathology, University of Birmingham at Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.

Pediatric Dermatology
|April 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Kwashiorkor, a severe protein deficiency, can mimic Stevens-Johnson syndrome in infants. Increased incidence in industrialized nations highlights the need for physician awareness of this nutritional disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Dermatology
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition characterized by protein deficiency.
  • It is often associated with developing countries but is emerging in industrialized nations.
  • Changing dietary habits contribute to its rising incidence.

Observation:

  • An infant presented with symptoms initially presumed to be Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
  • Clinical presentation included dermatological and systemic signs.
  • Diagnostic workup involved history, physical examination, and histopathology.

Findings:

  • The infant was diagnosed with kwashiorkor, not Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
  • Histopathological examination confirmed severe protein-energy malnutrition.
  • The case highlights diagnostic challenges in distinguishing kwashiorkor from other conditions.

Implications:

  • Physicians must consider kwashiorkor in the differential diagnosis of infants with severe skin manifestations.
  • Increased awareness is crucial due to the rising incidence of malnutrition in developed countries.
  • Public health initiatives addressing dietary habits may help mitigate this trend.

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