RESUMO
Hypochromotrichia - a decrease in the normal colour of the hair occurs commonly in kwashiokor, especially in affected Negro infants. The etiology of hypochromotrichia is discussed, with especial reference to malnutrition. In Jamaica, in infants of African stock, 82 per cent. of cases of kwashiorkor showed hypochromotrichia. Field surveys showed the condition, in less marked degree, to be common in poorly nourished infants and young children, who were considered to be possible examples of subclinical, mild kwashiorkor. Aminoacid analyses of hair samples from striking cases of hypochromotrichia from infants with kwashiorkor showed similar results to normal hair samples used as controls. A "hypochromotrichia index" the percentage of affected children aged between 1 and 3 years is suggested as a possible public health indication of the amount of infantile protein deficiency in a malnourished African community (AU)
