Decreased levels of alpha 2 HS-glycoprotein in children with protein-energy-malnutrition.

Serum levels of alpha 2 HS-glycoprotein were determined in ten marasmic children without infections and 14 non-infected children with kwashiorkor. The results obtained were compared with those of 16 non-infected well-nourished children of the same age and sex. No significant difference could be found between the two groups of children with protein-energy-malnutrition (PEM). Well-nourished children however had significantly higher levels than the PEM children. The reduced serum levels of this glycoprotein in PEM children could indicate disturbance of bone minerilisation, leading to stunted growth, and contribute to impairment of defence ability in these children.