American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 32, 1719-1727, Copyright © 1979 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc

ORIGINAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS

Height, weight, and head circumference in survivors of marasmus and kwashiorkor

Z Branko

The physical growth of 44 survivors of marasmus and 43 survivors of kwashiorker 7 1/2 years after their hospitalization and cure from malnutrition has been evaluated. The collected data on height, weight, and head circumference of these 87 previously malnourished children have been compared with data on height, weight, and head circumference of 559 children of the same age and sex from the same environment who have never been malnourished. The statistical analysis of the data indicate the following conclusions. 1) The survivors of marasmus are shorter and lighter and have a smaller head circumference than controls. The observed difference is statistically significant. 2) The survivors of kwashiorkor have the same physical stature as controls. 3) The survivors of marasmus are shorter and lighter and have a smaller head circumference than survivors of kwashiorkor. 4) The survivors of marasmus who were hospitalized for treatment of malnutrition when younger than 1 year have the same physical stature as the survivors of marasmus who were hospitalized for treatment of malnutrition when older than 1 year.