Hematologic studies of severe undernutrition of infancy: I. The anemia of prolonged caloric deprivation in the pig

Abstract

Extract: These studies were designed to define alterations in erythropoiesis that resulted from prolonged and controlled caloric deprivation. The caloric deprivation in the animal model chosen simulated that experienced by human infants receiving caloric intakes so restricted that infantile marasmus results. The model chosen was the young piglet receiving a diet that would support normal growth when given in adequate amounts. The intake of this diet was so restricted as to stabilize the weight of the animals at 5.0 to 7.0 kg from one to ten months of age. The studies of erythropoiesis in control piglets revealed a relatively high reticulocyte count associated with rapid growth and expansion of the red cell mass during the early months of life. The hematocrit and the hemoglobin levels increased with age, although there was a slight decrease in the total red cell mass per unit of body weight with increasing age. Iron kinetic studies were performed in normal growing pigs (table V). The me