Pathophysiology of childhood malnutrition

IgA: immunoglobulin A; IL-6: interleukin 6; CRP: C-reactive protein; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; GFR: glomerular filtration rate; UTI: urinary tract infection; GH: growth hormone; IGF-1: insulin-like growth factor 1; BMR: basal metabolic rate.
* Cardiac output is decreased in proportion to lean body mass. Cardiac index (which relates cardiac output to body surface area) is normal.
¶ Children with either marasmus or kwashiorkor (edematous malnutrition) have precarious fluid balance: Fluid overload may cause acute congestive heart failure, while hypovolemia quickly compromises tissue perfusion.