Serum Triglycerides and Nonesterified Fatty Acids in Kwashiorkor

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Abstract
Serum lipids were studied in eighty-five children with kwashiorkor on admission to the hospital and after nutritional rehabilitation. Serum triglyceride levels were in the low-normal range, but showed a marked rise after treatment with high protein, high calorie diets. This can be attributed to the high level of calories since the corresponding rise on a lower level of calorie intake was small. Simultaneous administration of an anabolic steroid prevented this increase in serum triglycerides. Serum cholesterol levels were low at the time of admission and increased with institution of therapy, irrespective of administration of the anabolic steroid. This rise is partly attributable to the butterfat in the diet, since withdrawal of this dietary constituent delayed the rise in serum cholesterol. The nonesterified fatty acid levels in circulation were high at the height of the disease and decreased significantly after therapy. The response of nonesterified fatty acids to epinephrine stimulation, although delayed at the time of admission, was of the same magnitude as after treatment.