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An infant with kwashiorkor: The forgotten disease
N A Kamaruzaman1, N A Jamani2, A H Said1
1Department of Family Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200 Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia.
Insights
Severe undernutrition, specifically kwashiorkor, affects children in Malaysia due to improper weaning practices. Early recognition and referral are crucial for managing this condition and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Undernutrition is a significant global health issue, particularly impacting developing nations.
- Despite resource availability, Malaysia faces challenges with severe childhood undernutrition.
Observation:
- A case study of a 5-month-old Malaysian boy with kwashiorkor is presented.
- The condition was linked to overlooked, improper weaning practices.
Findings:
- Kwashiorkor can arise from inadequate weaning in infants.
- Delayed identification of kwashiorkor signs can impede timely intervention.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for early detection of kwashiorkor symptoms in infants.
- Emphasizes the importance of prompt referral for effective management and complication prevention.
Abstract:
Undernutrition remains a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. Despite being rich in resources, Malaysia is still home to children suffering from severe undernutrition. This paper presents the case of a 5-month-old boy with kwashiorkor stemming from improper weaning which was overlooked. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the early signs of kwashiorkor to allow for early referrals for proper management and prevent its possible complications.
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