Proteins are important for many fundamental activities in the body for people of all ages. For example, they are important for the transport of other chemicals through the blood or into and out of cells. They serve as hormones and help the immune system and blood clotting. They also provide structural support to cells and tissues. A protein deficiency can lead to disease by compromising all of these activities, and children may be particularly sensitive.
Symptoms
The symptoms of protein deficiency in children run a spectrum from mild to severe. More mild cases can result in a failure to grow, irritability, and loss of muscle tissue as the body breaks down the muscle to use the protein. Extreme protein malnutrition is called Kwashiorkor. It causes hair and skin problems, swelling, a distended abdomen, fatty liver and weakness. Extreme cases can cause death. Kwashiorkor is more common in impoverished nations. In the United States, it is typically a result of child abuse.
Causes
Protein deficiency can be caused by a lack of protein in the diet. A pediatric dietitian or pediatrician can help assess the adequacy of a child's diet. Another cause can be intestinal problems that prevent the absorption of protein. Liver disease from infections and inherited diseases lead to low blood protein because the liver normally synthesizes protein for the blood. Kidney disease in children is often caused by immune system dysfunction and can also cause protein to be lost through urine.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of protein deficiency in children stems from integrating information from various sources. First, a medical history can discover various risk factors. A physical exam can reveal evidence of deficiency, such as swelling. Laboratory tests of the blood and urine can reveal abnormal protein levels. Other tests are directed at discovering the underlying cause of a protein deficiency.
Treatment
The treatment of protein deficiency is aimed at the underlying cause. Malnutrition requires the replacement of the missing nutrients. However, this must be done under the supervision of a physician. The replacement of missing nutrients can actually cause problems as the child's cells rapidly metabolize the nutrients, a problem called the refeeding syndrome. Intestinal, kidney and liver diseases have a variety of causes with different approaches to management.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S Fauci, et al.; 17th Ed 2008
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar, et al.; 8th Ed 2009
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