Long-term effects of kwashiorkor on the electroencephalogram

Am J Clin Nutr. 1979 Apr;32(4):753-7. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/32.4.753.

Abstract

The long-term effects of kwashiorkor on the electroencephalogram were assessed by means of computer analysis techniques. The experimental group, consisting of 30 black children, 6 to 12 years old, hospitalized for the treatment of kwashiorkor during the first 27 months of life, was age-matched with three control groups. These were a group of siblings and of yardmates, neither of whom had been exposed to acute infantile malnutrition, and a very high socioeconomic group of white children. The results revealed significantly less alpha activity and more slow-wave activity in the electroencephalogram of the kwashiokor group than in those of the control groups. These findings confirmed previous results based on visual analysis procedures.

MeSH terms

  • Alpha Rhythm
  • Black People
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Delta Rhythm
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Kwashiorkor / genetics
  • Kwashiorkor / physiopathology*
  • South Africa
  • Theta Rhythm