Insulin, glucagon, lipase, and amylase were measured in 40 children
with non-edematous malnutrition (Marasmus). Their ages ranged from 6-30
months. They were subdivided into a group of 12 children with mild degree, a
group of 14 children with moderate, and a group of 14 children with severe
degree of protein energy malnutrition (PEM). Also 20 apparently normal
healthy children served as a control group. Our results revealed that, there was
a significant decrease in serum glucose, insulin and lipase enzyme in all
degrees of PEM as compared to the control group (p<0.05, p<0.001, &
p<0.05 respectively). Also there was significant decrease in plasma glucagon
and serum amylase in the moderate & severe degrees of PEM as compared to
the control group (p<0.05). So, we concluded that, this alteration in pancreatic
functions are an adaptive response that helps to conserve protein at the
expense of lower plasma glucose levels, low insulin levels that partially offset
the risk of hypoglycemia. Also, the significant decreased levels of pancreatic
enzymes (lipase and amylase) in our study raised the suggestion that
supplementation of pancreatic enzymes may be helpful in the rehabilitation
period of PEM cases |
