The sequence of subcutaneous fat loss in children with malnutrition

If the baby suffers from severe malnutrition after birth, the subcutaneous fat will gradually disappear, which will have a great impact on the health of the child. This phenomenon often occurs in premature babies, twins or multiple babies. Mild malnutrition will only cause a decrease in subcutaneous fat, but if the condition is more serious, it may cause fat to disappear. Parents must take their children for treatment in time.

The sequence of subcutaneous fat loss in children with malnutrition

Long-term poor food intake is the main cause of malnutrition. If multiple births, twins and premature babies are not fed scientifically, malnutrition will often occur. Congenital malformations such as cleft lip and chronic wasting diseases such as tuberculosis can also cause malnutrition. It manifests as no weight gain or weight loss, and the gradual disappearance of subcutaneous fat, generally in the order of abdomen, chest and back, waist, upper and lower limbs, and cheeks. In severe cases, the patient will suffer from muscle atrophy, delayed motor function development, low intelligence, poor immunity, and susceptibility to indigestion and various infections.

What are the symptoms of malnutrition in children? Malnutrition is mainly manifested by fat disappearance, muscle atrophy and stagnation of growth and development. It can also cause dysfunction of various systems in the body, reduce the body's resistance, and create conditions for the occurrence and development of many diseases. It can be divided into three degrees according to severity: degree I is mild, and degrees II and III are severe. 1. Malnutrition degree I: normal mental state. The body weight is 15%-25% lower than normal, the thickness of subcutaneous fat of the abdominal wall is 0.8 cm-0.4 cm, the skin is dry, and height is not affected. 2. Grade II malnutrition: lack of energy, irritability, weakened muscle tone, muscle relaxation, body weight 25%-40% lower than normal, subcutaneous fat thickness of the abdominal wall less than 0.4 cm, pale and dry skin, dull hair, and height shorter than normal.

3. Grade III malnutrition: Mental depression, alternating lethargy and irritability, intellectual retardation, muscle atrophy, low muscle tone, body weight more than 40% lower than normal, disappearance of subcutaneous fat of the abdominal wall, wrinkles on the forehead, and an elderly-like face. The skin is pale, dry, and inelastic, the hair is dry, the height is significantly lower than normal, and there is often hypothermia, slow pulse, loss of appetite, constipation, and in severe cases, malnutrition edema may occur due to low serum protein.

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