Total body water in malnourished infants

ABSTRACT

Total body water has been estimated with tritiated water in 24 malnourished infants under the age of 2 years the changes during recovery have been followed. On admission, the mean total body water was 84.5 per cent. of body weight after recovery, this value fell to 62.6 per cent. Measurements have also shown an absolute decrease in body solids compared with normal for age. It is possible by this method to estimate the extent of tissue depletion (SUMMARY)