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Kwashiorkor MeSH Descriptor Data 2026


MeSH Heading
Kwashiorkor
Tree Number(s)
C18.654.521.719.500
Unique ID
D007732
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D007732
Annotation
severe form of protein malnutrition
Scope Note
A syndrome produced by severe protein deficiency, characterized by retarded growth, changes in skin and hair pigment, edema, and pathologic changes in the liver, including fatty infiltration, necrosis, and fibrosis. The word is a local name in Gold Coast, Africa, meaning displaced child. Although first reported from Africa, kwashiorkor is now known throughout the world, but mainly in the tropics and subtropics. It is considered to be related to marasmus. (From Dorland, 27th ed)
Date Introduced
1966/01/01
Last Updated
2014/10/16
Kwashiorkor Preferred
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