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Surface lipid composition in children with protein-calorie malnutrition
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 1, 1978
Summary
Skin surface lipid analysis in malnourished children revealed significantly lower squalene and squalene/wax ester ratios. These markers normalized after treatment, indicating potential for non-invasive nutritional status assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Protein-calorie malnutrition significantly impacts child health.
- Skin surface lipid composition reflects overall nutritional status.
- Marasmic-kwashiokor is a severe form of malnutrition in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate skin surface lipid alterations in children with marasmic-kwashiokor.
- To assess the potential of surface lipid analysis as a non-invasive nutritional assessment tool.
Main Methods:
- Skin surface lipid composition was analyzed in 21 children diagnosed with marasmic-kwashiokor.
- Lipid profiles were compared to those of healthy children.
- Lipid analysis was repeated in five children post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Children with marasmic-kwashiokor exhibited significantly reduced squalene content (3.1% vs. 9.8%).
- The squalene/wax ester ratio was also significantly lower in malnourished children (0.57 vs. 2.13).
- Post-treatment, lipid values reverted towards normal levels.
Conclusions:
- Altered skin surface lipid profiles, specifically squalene and squalene/wax ester ratios, are indicative of protein-calorie malnutrition.
- Non-invasive skin surface lipid analysis offers a convenient method for assessing nutritional status in field studies.
- This method can aid in identifying and monitoring malnourished subjects.