Clinical Nutrition

Lesson 3: Protein calorie malnutrition

Marasmus

The weight is 60% of normal or lesser and the subject has a ‘skin and bones’ appearance. The skin is dry and wrinkles easily. Heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature are low. Hair is sparse, thin and dry and it is easily pulled out without pain. The patient has an apathetic and anxious expression. Most often abdominal distention is present.