MedTerms Word of the DayMedTerms Word of the DayKwashiorkor- June 17, 2008 Kwashiorkor: The word kwashiorkor comes from the Ivory Coast. It means the deposed (no longer suckled) child. Kwashiorkor is a childhood disease due to protein deprivation. Early signs are vague: apathy (indifference), lethargy (drowsiness) and irritability. More advanced signs are poor growth, lack of stamina, loss of muscle mass, swelling, abnormal hair (sparse, thin, often streaky red or gray in dark-skinned children) and abnormal skin (darkening in irritated but not sun-exposed...http://www.medterms.com/guide.asp?s=rss&k=WordOfTheDay&a=4124 |