Iatrogenic kwashiorkor in infants
F. R. Sinatra and R. J. Merritt
Four children experienced kwashiorkor six weeks to six months following the
introduction of a low-protein, high-fat, nondairy creamer into their diets.
In all cases, the milk substitute eventually became their sole nutritional
source and resulted in hypoproteinemia, edema, and hepatic abnormalities.
All patients had been given the milk substitute in an attempt to control
suspected milk protein sensitivity. Only one of the four patients was
subsequently shown to have cow's milk sensitivity. All had complete
resolution of symptoms within six weeks following institution of a
nutritionally adequate diet.
