marasmus /məraz″məs/ [Gk, marasmos, a wasting] , a condition of extreme malnutrition and emaciation, occurring chiefly in young children. It is characterized by progressive wasting of subcutaneous tissue and muscle. Marasmus results from a lack of adequate calories and proteins and is seen in children with failure to thrive and in individuals in a state of starvation. Less commonly it results from an inability to assimilate or use protein because of a defect in metabolism. Care of the marasmic child involves the reestablishment of fluid and electrolyte balance, followed by the slow and gradual addition of foods as they are tolerated. See also kwashiorkor.
