Protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) in Egypt: comparative study of the electrolyte pattern in plasma and erythrocytes

The electrolytes sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were determined in both plasma and erythrocytes of 300 PCM subjects and 26 parallel healthy controls. The results obtained revealed that: The level of plasma sodium was lower than normal in all PCM cases except in marasmic kwashiorkor. The RBC's sodium content was more or less not affected. Plasma potassium level was markedly lower than normal in all groups of malnourished subjects. RBC's potassium was significantly lower than normal in severe K.W.O. and marasmic kwashiorkor, while it was high in 3rd grade marasmus. Magnesium level was lower than normal in both plasma and RBC's in all malnourished subjects. Calcium level dropped in plasma and was elevated in RBC's. Estimation of RBC's minerals may be useful in reflecting the concerned changes in tissues of PCM subjects.