Nutritionally acquired immune deficiency syndromes (NAIDS): common but often not diagnosed early.

It has been the perception in some pacific island countries that the textbook presentation of kwashiorkor has decreased in incidence possibly due to improved public health services and economic development of the country. However, the diagnosis and treatment is nonetheless crucial to child survival. This paper discusses the clinical courses of 2 children with kwashiorkor whose presentation were not of that taught to medical students or even junior doctors. Their presentation together with their subsequent nutritionally acquired immune deficiency syndrome (NAIDS) is illustrated to raise awareness of the complexities in diagnosis and management of such patients.