What are the Consequences of PEM?

The consequences of PEM are most often long lasting and irreversible. The common consequences include:

• Irreversible growth retardation
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Increased risk of mortality
• Low cognitive performance

As a result of extensive PEM since early childhood, in India, there is irreversible growth retardation leading to short stature among adults. While children of well to do communities, where the problems of inadequate diet and ill health are not common, are as tall and heavy as those from developed countries, poorer children suffer from stunting, wasting and underweight. Studies in different parts of India reveal that in children suffering from various grades of PEM, their immunity (ability to fight infections) is reduced and as a result, the incidence of childhood infections like diarrhoea and respiratory infections is high. The children with severe forms of PEM are usually brought to the hospital with complications arising as a result of severe infections.

The immunity in these children is low leading to lowered resistance to infections. Therefore, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections are not only common but their severity is also higher. Severe diarrhoea might lead to dehydration. Septicemia and bronchopneumonia in children with kwashiorkor and marasinus could be fatal. It should also be recognized that such infections could increase the risk of PEM leading to a vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection. The risk of mortality in moderate and severe PEM is higher, particularly when they we exposed to frequent infections. The work output of adults who are lighter also has been shown to be lower affecting the productivity of the nation.