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Plasma biochemical parameters in Nigerian children with protein energy malnutrition
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Insights
Treatment significantly improved key plasma biochemical markers in children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), including sodium, potassium, and albumin. These changes indicate positive clinical recovery in pediatric malnutrition patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a significant health concern in children.
- Understanding biochemical changes during PEM treatment is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in eleven plasma biochemical parameters in children with different types of PEM.
- To evaluate the impact of treatment on these biochemical markers.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed plasma samples from 28 children with PEM (marasmus, kwashiorkor, marasmic-kwashiorkor, undernutrition) aged 8-48 months.
- Measurements were taken on admission and 8-24 days post-treatment.
- Statistical analysis (p < 0.05) was used to determine significant changes.
Main Results:
- Plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and albumin levels significantly increased post-treatment.
- Total protein and cholesterol showed significant increases in most PEM types.
- Calcium levels remained unchanged; globulin, urea, and creatinine changes varied by PEM type.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical improvements observed support clinical recovery in PEM children after treatment.
- Treatment duration of at least 18 days at OAUTHC, Nigeria, correlates with positive biochemical shifts.
- Specific biochemical markers can indicate treatment efficacy in pediatric malnutrition.
Abstract:
Eleven plasma biochemical parameters were estimated in a total of 28 children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM): 7 children each category of marasmus, kwashiorkor, marasmic-kwashiorkor and undernutrition with ages between 8 and 48 months. The estimations were performed on admission and 8 to 24 days after treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Nigeria. Plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate and albumin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher after treatment than on admission. Calcium however, showed no significant change. Total protein and cholesterol were significantly (p < 0.05) raised after treatment for all the PEM types except undernutrition and kwashiorkor respectively. Globulin, urea and creatinine were significantly (p < 0.05) raised after treatment for kwashiorkor. These biochemical findings support the claims of clinical improvement in PEM children after a minimum of 18 days of treatment at the OAUTHC in Nigeria.