Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency. A child with marasmus looks emaciated . Body weight is reduced to less than 60% of the normal (expected) body weight for the age. Marasmus occurrence increases prior to age 1, whereas kwashiorkor occurrence increases after 18 months. It can be distinguished from kwashiorkor in that kwashiorkor is protein deficiency with adequate energy intake whereas marasmus is inadequate energy intake in all forms, including protein. Protein wasting in kwashiorkor may lead to edema
Marasmus is caused by a severe deficiency of nearly all nutrients, especially protein, carbohydrates, and lipids.
Marasmus is commonly represented by a shrunken, wasted appearance, loss of muscle mass and subcutaneous fat mass.Buttocks and upper limb muscle groups are usually more affected than others. Marasmus is not always linked to severe edema. Other symptoms of marasmus include unusual body temperature (hypothermia, pyrexia), anemia, edema, dehydration (as characterized with consistent thirst and shrunken eyes), hypovolemic shock (weak radial pulse, cold extremities, decreased consciousness), tachypnea (pneumonia, heart failure), abdominal manifestations (distension, decreased or metallic bowel sounds, large or small liver, blood or mucus in the stools), ocular manifestations (corneal lesions associated with vitamin A deficiency), dermal manifestations (evidence of infection, purpura, and ear, nose, and throat symptoms (otitis, rhinitis).
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
TUBERCULINUM 1000- Treatment should be started with this remedy and no other remedy should be given for the next 24 hours
ABROTANUM 30-An excellent remedy for marasmus , especially of lower extremities with good appetite
BARYTA CARB 30- Child is weak and sluggish with tonsillitis. Abdomen is large
CALCAREA PHOS 6X- An excellent remedy for marasmus . Skin dry and wrinkled
IODUM 200-This remedy in lower potencies reduces weight and in higher potencies increases weight. There is extreme hunger , the child eats well and yet emaciates rapidly. The skin appears yellow and there is a problem with the thyroid gland
MAGNESIA CARB 30- Children who have a tendency to sinking in of the occipital bone or the back of the head and jutting out over it of the parietal bone creating a depression
NATRUM MUR 30-Marasmus of neck in children. Utterly dehydrated . Sad and wistful. Child looks like a tiny hairless monkey
PEPSINUM 30-Marasmus of children fed on artificial food
PICRIC ACID 30- Wasting with great appetite
PLUMBUM MET 30- Emaciation due to anemia
SANICULA 30-Child looks old, dirty and greasy . Progressive emaciation. Skin wrinkled about neck and hands in folds. Mentally obstinate and head strong, constantly changing . Sweating of head at night which wets the pillow. Offensive foot sweat
SYPHILINUM 1000- It should be given after Tuberculinum .Follows it advantageously but it should be given only if there is history of syphilis in the fa