Wellcome classification

views updated

Wellcome classification A system for classifying protein‐energy malnutrition in children based on percentage of expected weight‐for‐age and the presence or absence of oedema. Between 60 and 80% of expected weight is underweight in the absence of oedema, and kwashiorkor if oedema is present; under 60% of expected weight is marasmus in the absence of oedema, and marasmic kwashiorkor if oedema is present. See also Waterlow classification.

More From encyclopedia.com