Abstract

Background: Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is one of the most common nutritional problems of developing countries of the world and an important cause of childhood mortality and morbidity leading to permanent impairment of physical and mental growth.
Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare serum total protein, serum albumin and thyroid hormones in children with Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and in healthy controls.
Materials and Methods: Serum total protein, serum albumin, and thyroid hormones were estimated in Fifty children (age, 1- 5 year) with PEM (PEM group). And an equal number of age, sex matched healthy controls were included for the control group.
Results: PEM children have low serum total protein and albumin levels as compared to healthy controls (p<0.001), Serum Total T3 (TT3), Total T4 (TT4) levels are lower in children with PEM as compared to healthy controls and the difference is statistically significant ( p<0.001). Mean TSH levels in cases and controls were nearly similar. There was no significant difference between serum TSH concentrations in our children with PEM and the controls. Conclusion: PEM children have low serum total protein and albumin levels this is probably due to decreased intake of proteins and reduced biosynthesis. Serum TT3, TT4 levels are lower in children with PEM as compared to healthy controls. The cause for decreased levels of TT3, TT4 in a malnourished child is probably due to a reduction in circulating plasma proteins.