Protein-Calorie Malnutrition (PCM) occurs when your body doesn't receive enough protein or calories to maintain normal function. Left untreated, it can cause significant weight loss, muscle wasting, weakness, and delayed wound healing.
Early signs of PCM may be subtle. As it progresses, you may experience:
PCM can develop for a variety of reasons, including:
With a focus on patient-centered care and comprehensive nutritional support for Protein-Calorie Malnutrition, GastroDoxs in Katy offers expert diagnostics, personalized meal planning, and advanced therapies delivered by our team of gastroenterologists and registered dietitians. We're committed to helping you rebuild strength, speed recovery, and improve your quality of life. Book your appointment today to start your journey back to health.
We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
PCM is diagnosed through a combination of weight checks, laboratory tests (such as albumin or prealbumin levels), dietary intake reviews, physical exams, and the use of ICD-10 codes like E44.0 (moderate PCM) or E43 (severe PCM).
The ICD-10 code for moderate protein-calorie malnutrition is E44.0.
Hospice criteria for PCM include less than 50% of normal food intake for 7-14 days, significant unintentional weight loss, and loss of function or strength.
Yes. Children with inadequate diets, chronic illnesses, or absorption problems can develop PCM and require early nutritional intervention.
Recovery depends on severity: mild cases may improve within weeks with proper nutrition, while severe cases often require months of tailored support and monitoring.
For mild to moderate PCM, oral supplements and shakes may suffice. Severe cases, however, often need enteral (feeding tube) or parenteral (IV) nutrition to meet increased needs.
E46 denotes "unspecified" protein-calorie malnutrition, used when the exact severity (moderate versus severe) cannot be clearly defined.
Light or supervised activity may be safe once you start regaining strength and protein stores. Always consult your gastroenterologist or dietitian before beginning any exercise.
Yes. When identified and treated early with adequate calories, protein, and medical support, most individuals make a full recovery.
No referral is required. You can book an appointment directly with our team of gastroenterologists and dietitians in Katy, with or without insurance authorization.
