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Computerized tomography measures of brain slice area and ventricular sizes in protein energy malnutrition: a
A O Adeyinka1, O O Akinyinka, A G Falade
1Department of Radiography and Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract:
The brain tissues of thirty-eight Nigerian children suffering from severe protein energy malnutrition (PEM) were evaluated within 24 hours of admission by computerized tomography. The brain slice area (B.S.A.) in marasmus (10474 +/- 1270) is significantly smaller than those of marasmic-kwashiokor (10940 +/- 1284) and kwashiokor (11866 +/- 669). Similarly also the BSA of the three clinical types were smaller than those of the control (13134 +/- 1199), (P < 001). There was poor correlation of brain slice area and other parameters measured with age, but a significantly higher (mean) brain slice area was noticed in the males (11910.82) than the females (10971.67) P < 0001, in both patients and control. Marasmic-Kwashiokor showed marked feature of cerebral shrinkage compared with the other categories of PEM in all the parameters measured.
Insights
Severe protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in Nigerian children significantly reduces brain slice area (BSA). Boys with PEM had larger BSA than girls, with marasmic-kwashiokor showing the most cerebral shrinkage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a critical health issue in children.
- PEM can impact various organ systems, including the brain.
- Understanding the neurological effects of PEM is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the brain tissues of Nigerian children with severe PEM.
- To compare brain slice area (BSA) across different clinical types of PEM and controls.
- To investigate the correlation of BSA with age and sex in pediatric PEM.
Main Methods:
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans were used to assess brain tissues.
- Thirty-eight Nigerian children with severe PEM were studied within 24 hours of admission.
- Brain slice area (BSA) was measured and compared between PEM groups and a control group.
Main Results:
- Children with PEM exhibited significantly smaller BSA compared to controls (P < 0.001).
- Marasmus showed the smallest BSA, while kwashiorkor had the largest among PEM types.
- Males had a significantly higher mean BSA than females (P < 0.0001).
- Marasmic-kwashiokor presented the most pronounced cerebral shrinkage.
Conclusions:
- Severe PEM leads to significant cerebral shrinkage in children.
- BSA is reduced across all clinical types of PEM, with variations observed.
- Sex influences brain size in children with PEM, with males showing larger BSA.