The relationship between changes in plasma volume, plasma proteins and haemoglobin concentration during treatment of kwashiorkor

Abstract

Plasma volume, plasma protein and haemoglobin concentration were measured in 12 infants with kwashiorkor on the day after admission to hospital, on the 10th day, and again on approximately the 40th day. Plasma volume increased in 6 subjects and was unaltered in the remaining 6. The haemoglobin concentration fell in 5 of the 6 subjects whose plasma volume increased. It was concluded that a fall in the haemoglobin concentration in the early stages of treatment was due to an increased plasma volume level.