Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness
09:17

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness

Published on: May 2, 2017

Intensive nursing care of kwashiorkor in Malawi

M J Manary1, D R Brewster

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi. MANARY@kids.wustl.edu

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 10, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Intensive nursing care for children with kwashiorkor in Malawi did not reduce the case fatality rate. Despite improved care, mortality remained high due to electrolyte imbalances, infection, and heart failure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Kwashiorkor, a severe form of malnutrition, has a high case fatality rate in children in Malawi.
  • In 1995, the rate in central hospitals was 30.5%.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if intensive nursing care could decrease the mortality rate of kwashiorkor in children.
  • To identify factors contributing to death in children with kwashiorkor.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 75 children with kwashiorkor received intensive nursing care, including individual beds, a 1:3 nurse-child ratio, frequent feeding, expert consultation, infection evaluation, and antibiotics.
  • Outcomes were compared to 225 matched children treated with standard care.

Main Results:

  • The intensive care group had a 25% mortality rate.
  • Leading causes of death included electrolyte abnormalities (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia), overwhelming infections, and congestive heart failure.
  • Children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), severe wasting, or life-threatening electrolyte abnormalities had higher mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Intensive nursing care, as implemented, did not significantly improve overall survival for children with kwashiorkor.
  • Further research is needed to address the primary causes of death, such as electrolyte imbalances and infections.

More Related Videos

Modification of the Treatment Methods for Wasting Marmoset Syndrome with Tranexamic Acid and Supportive Measures03:07

Modification of the Treatment Methods for Wasting Marmoset Syndrome with Tranexamic Acid and Supportive Measures

Published on: July 12, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care01:20

Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management01:22

Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) results in an inability to maintain fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Effective nursing management is critical in improving patient outcomes and includes comprehensive patient assessment and targeted interventions.Comprehensive Patient AssessmentA detailed history collection is essential, focusing on any recent infections, nephrotoxic medication use, or chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that may contribute to AKI. During the physical...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...