Brain Growth in Children with Marasmus

A Study Using Head Circumference Measurement, Transillumination and Ultrasonic Echo Ventriculography

Abstract

Brain growth was studied by making simultaneous measurements of head circumference, transillumination and lateral ventricle indices in 102 children aged 2–24 months suffering from marasmus. The head circumference was significantly reduced, transillumination showed a slight-to-moderate increase in the children 6–24 months of age, and echo encephalography showed a normal lateral ventricle index. The results indicate a reduction of brain size which (particularly after the first 6 months of age) goes slightly beyond what may be inferred from the head circumference per se. The interpretation of the results, especially the relation between head circumference and brain size, is discussed.