MARASMUS
This condition is also called infantile atrophy and simple wasting. It is not very common and is usually found in institutions for infants. It affects infants who are unusually weak. It is said to result largely from improper food and feeding and also it is influenced by the surroundings. In these cases the methods of feeding and the character of food should be carefully investigated. If these are found satisfactory it will then be obvious that the food is not being properly digested. This calls for a careful analysis and adjusting of the child. In these cases the food can not be assimilated because it is not properly digested. There is a progressive and persistent loss in weight. The body temperature becomes subnormal, the lung expansion imperfect, emaciation very marked, the skin deeply wrinkled and the face and arms take on a very old appearance. The eyes appear very large, the temples and fontanels are sunken, and the abdomen becomes very prominent. The child is very susceptible to all forms of incoördinations and because of the extreme weakness may succumb quickly to any acute dis-ease. In some cases after the emaciation has become very marked there may be an unusual and sudden gain in weight due to a general edema. This condition may increase until all the tissues of the body become extremely water-logged. The large cavities, however, are very seldom affected. Infants under seven or eight months of age are likely to be affected by this edema.