marasmic child

Sanicula in Marasmus

Sanicula aqua a leading remedy for marasmus in children with digestive failure and constitutional wasting.

Key picture
1. Withered, “old-looking,” dried-up child; looks older than age
2. Emaciation despite eating; fails to thrive
3. Profuse sweat, especially head and neck
4. Cold, clammy hands/feet or patchy coldness
5. Discharges from every orifice

Hallmark sign
1. Large, hard stool that recedes back into the rectum after partial expulsion— pathognomonic
2. Constipation alternating with loose, sour, offensive stools
3. Pale, clay-coloured motions; distended abdomen
4. Aversion to milk; vomits curdled milk in infants

Mind
1. Fretful, irritable, wants to be left alone
2. Worse from being washed, looked at, or consoled
3. Dreads downward motion

Differentials
1. Calcarea carb — fat, fair, sweaty, sour, craves eggs
2. Silicea — large head, withered, chilly, constipated
3. Abrotanum — wastes from below up, good appetite
Iodum — eats well yet wastes, hot patient