Kwashiorkor

Uncomplicated kwashiorkor treated with community-based therapeutic care has a mortality of 5% to 15%. However, for complicated cases with HIV infection, mortality can be as high as 30% during admission and 50% at 1 year. Long-lasting neurodevelopmental defects from uncomplicated kwashiorkor are under-studied but are likely.[61]Lelijveld N, Seal A, Wells JC, et al. Chronic disease outcomes after severe acute malnutrition in Malawian children (ChroSAM): a cohort study. Lancet Glob Health. 2016;4:e654-e662. http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(16)30133-4/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27470174?tool=bestpractice.com Faltering growth does not have to be permanent if an appropriate diet can be established and maintained, but growth stunting is common as many children return to a food-insecure environment. Up to 10% of children returning to the same environment will have a further episode of oedema, which can be successfully managed with prompt initiation of treatment. Blindness resulting from corneal ulceration is now a rare occurrence owing to the routine administration of vitamin A (retinol) and the recognition and treatment of xerophthalmia at an early stage.