Comparison between Erythroid Aplasia in Marasmus and Kwashiorkor and the Experimentally Induced Erythroid Aplasia in Baboons by Riboflavin Deficiency

Abstract

This chapter describes the erythroid aplasia of marasmus and kwashiorkor and similar ones produced experimentally in baboons on a synthetic riboflavin-deficient diet. Hematological, biochemical, and histological findings in both marasmus and kwashiorkor and baboons are considered and compared in the chapter. It is noted that the erythroid aplasia of marasmus and kwashiorkor develops during the recovery period while the patients are on a high-protein diet and when the clinical symptoms have disappeared. The erythroid aplasias in both marasmus and kwashiorkor and in the baboons respond to either riboflavin or prednisone. The relation between riboflavin deficiency and adrenal function is discussed in the chapter, and it is suggested that the erythroid aplasia both in marasmus and kwashiorkor and in the baboon is associated with the riboflavin deficiency interfering with adrenal cortical function.