Alpha2HS-glycoprotein serum levels in protein-energy malnutrition

Thirteen preschool children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition showed lower plasma concentrations of alpha2HS-glycoprotein than did age-matched healthy preschool children. The children with marasmus and kwashiorkor exhibited wasting and stunting when their weight-for-height and height-for-age scores were compared to controls. After 50 days of treatment, the patients' weight-for-height and albumin levels indicated that a significant recovery was taking place. Lower concentration of alpha2HS-glycoprotein may be associated with the stunting of growth which occurs in protein-energy malnutrition because of decreased rates of mineralization.