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Predictors of rate of weight gain in malnourished children within a realimentation programme

John D McLennan1, Rosanne M T Mills, Gordon H Fick

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. jmclenna@ucalgary.ca

Annals of Human Biology
|September 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Caloric intake significantly impacts weight gain in malnourished children during realimentation programs. This effect is more pronounced in children with severe wasting and diarrhea, highlighting key factors for nutritional recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Malnourished children in realimentation programs exhibit significant variability in weight gain rates.
  • Predictors for this weight gain variation are seldom reported, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify predictors of weight gain rate in children undergoing nutritional rehabilitation.
  • To assess the impact of caloric intake on weight gain in a specific treatment program.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 105 children admitted to a partial day treatment program in the Dominican Republic was studied.
  • Weight gain rate was analyzed in relation to caloric intake, initial weight, and presence of diarrhea over the first 28 days.

Main Results:

  • The mean weight gain rate was 3.8 g/kg/day.
  • Caloric intake from formula was positively associated with weight gain.
  • This association was stronger in children with higher degrees of wasting and more diarrhea.

Conclusions:

  • Caloric intake is a significant predictor of weight gain in malnourished children.
  • The impact of caloric intake is modulated by the severity of wasting and diarrhea.
  • Further research is needed to identify additional predictors and improve nutrition treatment programs.

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