In simple words: Marasmus is a serious form of malnutrition caused by not getting enough calories and important nutrients like protein. It mostly affects babies and young children, making them extremely thin with visible bones and sunken cheeks. Their skin becomes dry and loose, and their hair and nails become weak. It's important to recognize marasmus so it can be treated properly.

Nutritional marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition primarily affecting infants and young children. It results from a chronic deficiency of calories and essential nutrients, especially protein and carbohydrates. This leads to significant wasting of subcutaneous fat and muscle tissue, resulting in an emaciated appearance with prominent bones and sunken cheeks.Other signs include dry, loose skin, thin and fragile hair, and nail abnormalities.It is crucial to distinguish marasmus from other forms of malnutrition, such as kwashiorkor, which presents with edema.

Example 1: A 6-month-old infant from a developing country presents with severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and a skeletal appearance. The infant has been weaned early due to the mother's inability to produce sufficient breast milk and access to formula is limited.The infant is diagnosed with nutritional marasmus., A 1-year-old child with chronic diarrhea and a history of recurrent infections presents with failure to thrive and severe wasting.The child's diet has been inadequate due to poverty and limited access to nutritious food.Nutritional marasmus is diagnosed., A severely neglected 2-year-old child is brought to the hospital with extreme weight loss, dehydration, and skin breakdown.The child’s caregivers have failed to provide adequate food and care, resulting in nutritional marasmus.

Documentation should include details about the patient's weight and height, physical examination findings (including evidence of muscle wasting, subcutaneous fat loss, and skin changes), dietary history, any associated medical conditions (such as infections or chronic diarrhea), and laboratory results (if performed). Photographs may also be helpful in documenting the patient's physical condition.

** Nutritional marasmus is a serious condition that can lead to permanent physical or mental disability, coma, and even death if not treated promptly and effectively.