title: Intraerythrocytic potassium levels and early insulin release in children with moderate malnutrition.
abstract: Potassium deficiency and insulin releasing defect in severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) have been reported previously. The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of potassium deficiency and early insulin releasing defect in moderate PEM, which is more common in children. This study was carried out prospectively in the Pediatrics Department at Trakya University. The study group comprised 30 children with moderate PEM who were also classified as stunted, wasted, and stunting-wasting. Thirty healthy children were selected as controls. Although there was no statistical difference between the study and control groups in terms of serum potassium and initial insulin levels, intraerythrocytic potassium and early insulin release in patients were significantly lower than in controls. The stunting-wasting cases had the lowest intraerythrocytic potassium and early insulin response to intravenous glucose administration. This study suggests that it is appropriate to evaluate moderate PEM cases for intraerythrocytic potassium deficiency and early insulin releasing defect. Potassium supplements should be given if necessary.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Trakya, Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey.
authors: Serap
authors: S
authors: Karasalihoğlu
authors: Murat
authors: M
authors: Bi
authors: Naci
authors: N
authors: Oner
authors: Coşkun
authors: C
authors: Celtik
authors: Ozer
authors: O
authors: Pala
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood*; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000097:blood* / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin; D011188:Potassium