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Starvation
Indicators
- weight loss of more than 10% of normal body weight
- lack of nutritional intake for more than 10 days
- low serum albumin (<26mg/dl is critical)
- low serum transferrin
- reduced lymphocyte count
- reduced grip strength
Effects
- increased susceptibility to infection
- reduced insulin
- increased glucagon
- glycogenolysis for 24 hours
- gluconeogenesis
- proteins and amino acids
- liver and kidneys
- use of fatty acids and ketones
Clinical Features
- crave for food
- apathetic
- complain of cold and weakness
- loss of subcutaneous fat
- muscle wasting
- GI infections
- bronchopneumonia
Treatment
- refeeding
- just enough energy and protein to maintain steady state
- large increases in energy lead to heart failure, circulatory collapse
and death
Complications
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