Plasma biochemical parameters in Nigerian children with protein energy malnutrition.

Eleven plasma biochemical parameters were estimated in a total of 28 children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM): 7 children each category of marasmus, kwashiorkor, marasmic-kwashiorkor and undernutrition with ages between 8 and 48 months. The estimations were performed on admission and 8 to 24 days after treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Nigeria. Plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate and albumin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher after treatment than on admission. Calcium however, showed no significant change. Total protein and cholesterol were significantly (p < 0.05) raised after treatment for all the PEM types except undernutrition and kwashiorkor respectively. Globulin, urea and creatinine were significantly (p < 0.05) raised after treatment for kwashiorkor. These biochemical findings support the claims of clinical improvement in PEM children after a minimum of 18 days of treatment at the OAUTHC in Nigeria.