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Prevalence of malnutrition in paediatric hospital patients

Ingrid Pawellek1, Katharina Dokoupil, Berthold Koletzko

  • 1Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University of Munich, Lindwurmstrasse 4, D-80337 München, Germany.

Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|December 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A study found that over 24% of children admitted to a German pediatric hospital were malnourished. This high prevalence of childhood malnutrition highlights the urgent need for improved screening and treatment strategies in pediatric care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Clinical Malnutrition
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood malnutrition significantly impacts growth and development.
  • Limited data exists on malnutrition prevalence in hospitalized children.
  • Tertiary care children's hospitals are critical settings for assessing pediatric health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in unselected pediatric inpatients.
  • To identify patient groups at higher risk for malnutrition within a hospital setting.
  • To inform strategies for addressing pediatric malnutrition.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a study on 475 unselected children admitted to a German tertiary care children's hospital.
  • Recorded weight and height data upon admission.
  • Utilized Waterlow criteria to classify malnutrition severity (mild, moderate, severe).

Main Results:

  • 24.1% of pediatric inpatients exhibited malnutrition.
  • Mild malnutrition affected 17.7%, moderate 4.4%, and severe 1.7% of patients.
  • Higher malnutrition rates were observed in children with multiple diagnoses, mental retardation, infectious diseases, and cystic fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • The high prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized children is unacceptable.
  • Adverse short- and long-term health consequences necessitate immediate action.
  • Enhanced systematic screening and treatment protocols for pediatric malnutrition are essential.
Abstract

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