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Classification of hypotrophy

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
 
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To date, there is no generally accepted classification of hypotrophy in children in our country, approved at pediatric congresses. In world literature and pediatric practice, the classification proposed by J. Waterlow has received the greatest distribution. In its latest modification, 2 main forms of hypotrophy are distinguished:

  • acute hypotrophy, manifested mainly by loss of body weight and a deficit in body weight in relation to the expected body weight for height;
  • chronic hypotrophy, which manifests itself not only as a deficit in body weight, but also as a significant delay in physical development.

Hypotrophy has 3 degrees of severity: mild, moderate and severe.

Classification of malnutrition in children

Acute BEN

Chronic PEM

Degree (form)

Ratio of body weight to expected body weight for height, %

Ratio of height to expected height for age, %

0

>90

>95

1 (light)

81-90

90-95

II (medium)

70-80

85-89

III (heavy)

<70

<85

Depending on the causes of hypotrophy, the predominant nature of starvation and the mechanisms of its development, there are 3 main clinical and pathogenetic variants of hypotrophy:

  • alimentary marasmus;
  • kwashiorkor;
  • marasmus-kwashiorkor.

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