Kwashiorkor usually develops rapidly as a result of protein deficiency or more commonly, is precipitately by an illness such as measles or other infection.
Other factors, such as aflatoxins a poison produced by fungus Aspergillus flavus, may also contribute to the development of, or symptoms that accompany kwashiorkor. Aflatoxin causes liver damage and is suspected to cause liver cancer.
The changes in body reserves and micronutrient requirements during infancy may explain, at least in part some age related epidemiologic features of marasmus and kwashiorkor.
Classically, kwashiorkor affects aged 2-3 years and is characterized by edema, hypoproteinemia and some degree of growth retardation.
Hepatomegaly is often present, due to fatty infiltration of the lover. The edema is associated with hypoalbuminaemia.
Kwashiorkor
