Iatrogenic kwashiorkor in infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science
• Clinical Case Studies

Background:

• Cow's milk protein sensitivity is a concern in infant nutrition.
• Nondairy creamers are sometimes used as milk substitutes.
• Nutritional deficiencies can arise from exclusive reliance on inadequate dietary sources.

Observation:

• Four children developed kwashiorkor after consuming a low-protein, high-fat nondairy creamer.
• The creamer became the sole nutritional source for these children.
• Patients presented with hypoproteinemia, edema, and hepatic abnormalities.

Findings:

• Kwashiorkor developed in children exclusively fed a specific nondairy creamer.
• Only one child had confirmed cow's milk sensitivity, suggesting the creamer's inadequacy was the primary issue.
• Nutritional rehabilitation with an adequate diet led to complete symptom resolution within six weeks.

Implications:

• Exclusive use of certain milk substitutes can lead to severe malnutrition like kwashiorkor.
• Careful assessment of infant feeding practices and nutritional adequacy is crucial.
• Prompt dietary correction is effective in reversing malnutrition-related conditions.