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Studies on malabsorption in malnourished Pakistani children
I Mazahir1, M A Rahman, M A Arif
1Department of Biochemistry, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan.
Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of Biosciences
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Malnutrition in Pakistani children, often linked to digestive issues, shows impaired growth and nutrient absorption. This study investigated various conditions, revealing widespread growth retardation and biochemical markers indicative of poor nutritional status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Malnutrition is prevalent in Pakistan, particularly among children from low socio-economic backgrounds.
- Impaired digestion and absorption compromise dietary efficacy, contributing to malnutrition.
- Previous research indicated high-protein diets were ineffective for protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and biochemical characteristics of malnutrition in children with various digestive and absorptive disorders.
- To compare the nutritional status of malnourished children with control subjects.
- To identify specific markers associated with different types of malnutrition.
Main Methods:
- Studied 42 malnourished children (6 months-12 years) and 17 controls, categorized into fibrocystic disease, coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, PEM, and non-specific diarrhoea groups.
- Clinical examinations, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical analyses (including protein, albumin, amino nitrogen, hydroxyproline, creatinine) were performed.
- Xylose and lactose tolerance tests were conducted to assess absorption.
Main Results:
- All malnourished groups exhibited reduced weight and height compared to controls.
- Hair changes (sparseness, dyspigmentation, easy pluckability) were noted across all groups.
- Biochemical markers showed decreased hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin, most significantly in PEM.
- Increased alpha-amino nitrogen excretion and decreased hydroxyproline and creatinine were observed in PEM.
- The hydroxyproline index, indicating growth rate, was significantly lower in all malnourished groups.
- Xylose absorption was reduced, particularly in coeliac disease.
Conclusions:
- Malnourished children in Pakistan present with significant growth retardation and impaired nutrient absorption, regardless of the specific underlying condition.
- Biochemical and anthropometric indicators highlight the severity of nutritional deficits.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms and develop effective interventions for childhood malnutrition.