Abstract

Malnutrition is a significant problem in developing countries. In the regions with high socioeconomic status a pivotal role in determining the nutritional status and morbidity of infant play feeding practices. Proper infant feeding is particularly important in the neonatal period and infancy.

We describe the case of 4-week-old boy with severe wasting while being exclusively breastfed. His weight (1890 g; delivery weight - 2400 g) and length (48 cm) were below the third centile. On examination he was emaciated and very cachectic.

The full dietary history and our examination showed that the breast-milk amount was 20–30 ml for 24 h. The laboratory tests were normal. In the ward, our patient was fed by formula and during 12 days of hospitalization his weight increased up to 2590 g. The three-year observation of our patient have been completed, we have notice no abnormalities in his health.

Despite the well-known advantages of exclusively breast-feeding, malnutrition of breastfed infants does occur. Our case reflects the most important causes of poor nutritional status: improper infant feeding practices and lack of knowledge regarding food requirements. Thus, we suggest providing education about optimal infant feeding and breastfeeding support program for mothers and other household family members.