A neurological syndrome in infants recovering from malnutrition

Abstract

Among 1,000 cases of infantile malnutrition admitted to Baragwanath Hospital there were eight with characteristic neurological disturbances. These consisted of tremors, similar to those seen in Parkinsonism, cogwheel rigidity and lead pipe rigidity of the extremities and exaggerated tendon reflexes. Some infants also showed myoclonus, opisthotonus and insomnia. These manifestations developed at a time when there were already signs that the nutritional state of the patients was improving. The syndrome disappeared entirely, or nearly so, within a few weeks or months of onset. It is suggested, albeit on slender evidence, that the syndrome was the result of an unbalanced therapeutic regimen.