Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Modification of the Treatment Methods for Wasting Marmoset Syndrome with Tranexamic Acid and Supportive Measures
03:07

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

Published on: July 12, 2024

Treating severe acute malnutrition seriously

Steve Collins1

  • 1Centre for International Health and Development and Valid International Ltd, Unit 14 Standingford House, 26 Cave Street, Oxford OX4 1BA, UK. steve@validinternational.org

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|April 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Community-based therapeutic care (CTC) significantly reduces child deaths from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This approach increases treatment access and recovery rates, proving cost-effective for child survival programs.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) impacts 13 million children globally, causing 1-2 million preventable deaths annually.
  • High case fatality rates (20-30%) persist in hospitals treating SAM, with limited access to care.
  • Existing treatment models struggle to reach a significant proportion of affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of community-based therapeutic care (CTC) programs in managing SAM.
  • To assess the impact of CTC on case fatality rates and treatment coverage.
  • To determine the cost-effectiveness of integrating CTC into child survival initiatives.

Main Methods:

  • Implementing community-based therapeutic care (CTC) programs utilizing ready-to-use therapeutic foods.
  • Focusing on outpatient treatment for the majority of SAM cases.
  • Promoting early presentation and compliance through accessible services.

Main Results:

  • CTC programs have dramatically reduced case fatality rates for SAM.
  • Significant increases in the number of children accessing and completing treatment have been observed.
  • Initial data suggest CTC is a cost-effective intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Community-based therapeutic care (CTC) offers a highly effective strategy for reducing mortality in children with SAM.
  • CTC improves access to care and recovery rates, addressing limitations of traditional hospital-based treatment.
  • Integration of CTC into mainstream child survival programs is recommended for greater public health impact.

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...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition01:27

Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding01:15

Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding

Enteral nutrition encompasses various methods of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bypassing traditional oral intake. It is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot eat by mouth but have a functioning digestive system. Key methods include nasointestinal feeding, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy, each suited to different clinical scenarios based on the patient's needs and condition.
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
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 Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...