Serum electrolytes and proteins in kwashiorkor

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Abstract
In 63 patients suffering from advanced malnutrition, (kwashiorkor) 11 of whom died, mean serum Na concentration was 129 meq/l on admission. No correlation was found between either degree of edema or severity of diarrhea and serum Na levels. Serum K levels varied widely and 27 patients (43%) had levels of 4.0 meq/1 or less. Patients suffering from diarrhea had generally lower serum K levels. Low serum albumin levels were often observed, and in a few patients, high globulin levels. On treatment, both albumin and globulin levels increased (56% and 36%, respectively).