Which of the following diseases is caused by protein deficiency?

Appeared in: Tripura CHO - 2021

Explanation

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition caused by a dietary deficiency in protein, even when calorie intake may be sufficient.
The name originates from a term meaning "the sickness the older child gets when the next baby is born," as it often occurs after weaning to a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet.
Its hallmark sign is generalized edema (swelling), particularly in the abdomen (ascites) and lower limbs, caused by low levels of albumin in the blood.

Option A: Anaemia is primarily caused by a deficiency of micronutrients like iron, vitamin B12, or folate, which are essential for red blood cell production.
Option C: Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by a deficiency in dietary iodine, which is a crucial component of thyroid hormones.
Option D: This option is incorrect because Anaemia and Hypothyroidism are not primarily caused by protein deficiency; they have distinct primary nutritional causes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional Deficiency Diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to differentiate between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. Assessment includes checking for pitting edema, measuring mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) to assess muscle wasting, and monitoring serum albumin levels.
Management of severe malnutrition requires careful reintroduction of nutrients to prevent refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal complication caused by rapid shifts in fluids and electrolytes.
What if? If a child presented with severe muscle wasting, loss of subcutaneous fat, and an 'old man's face' but had no edema, the diagnosis would be Marasmus, indicating a deficiency of both protein and total calories.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question: 'caused by protein deficiency'.
Second, evaluate each option against this specific cause.
Recall or deduce the primary nutritional deficiency for each disease: Anaemia (iron/B12/folate), Kwashiorkor (protein), Hypothyroidism (iodine).
Recognize that Kwashiorkor is the classic example of a disease defined by protein deficiency, especially when carbohydrate intake is maintained.
Eliminate the other options as their primary causes are different, which also makes 'All of the above' incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QaBJgydKorhEbm1AaIhGes

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 441-443

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 345-347

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 2 (pp 421-820 of 840) p. 143-145

Practise the full Tripura CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.