[Protein profile in malnutrition states of the Ivory Coast child]

Prospectively assessment of nutritional status, besides anthropometric parameters measurements, included determination of the following plasma proteins: albumin, transferrin, retinol-binding protein and thyroxine-binding prealbumin, usually regarded as useful indices of protein depletion states. Patients' inflammatory or infectious diseases were investigated by measuring the two most reliable acute-phase reactants (orosomucoid and c-reactive protein). This study was conducted on a group of 56 pediatric patients malnourished and 54 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects as controls. Data showed a higher prevalence of inflammatory process during the course of malnutrition as revealed progressive but severe alteration of the Prognostic Inflammatory and Nutritional Index (PINI) or CRP x a1-GPA/Alb x TBPA. On the other hand, kwashiorkor and marasmus seemed to be a precipitating cause of infectious or/and inflammatory process. We, therefore, conclude that the PINI scoring system should be for the pediatricians, a sensitive and precious tool allowing the correct follow-up of inflammatory pole in nutritional disorders in developing countries.