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Hospital-acquired malnutrition in children with mild clinical conditions

Angelo Campanozzi1, Massimo Russo, Alessandra Catucci

  • 1Department of Medical Sciences, Pediatrics, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy. a.campanozzi@unifg.it

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|February 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hospital stays can worsen malnutrition in children, especially those already underweight. Younger children, longer stays, fever, and abdominal pain increase malnutrition risk during hospitalization.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Clinical Malnutrition

Background:

  • Hospital-acquired malnutrition (HAM) incidence and risk factors in children with mild illness are poorly understood.
  • Early detection of malnutrition and factors contributing to nutritional decline in hospitalized children are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and timing of hospital-acquired malnutrition in children with mild clinical conditions.
  • To identify risk factors associated with nutritional deterioration during hospitalization.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 496 children (1-192 months) with mild clinical conditions was studied.
  • Daily weight measurements and Body Mass Index (BMI) Z-score calculations were performed.
  • Nutritional status was assessed upon admission and at the end of the hospital stay.

Main Results:

  • Children with a BMI Z-score <-2 SD on admission experienced a significantly greater BMI decrease compared to better-nourished children.
  • Risk factors for HAM included age <24 months, hospital stay >5 days, fever, and nocturnal abdominal pain.
  • Nutritional status progressively declined across all BMI Z-score groups during hospitalization.

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalization negatively impacts the nutritional status of children with mild illnesses.
  • Children admitted with malnutrition are at higher risk for further deterioration.
  • Early identification of malnutrition and risk factors is essential for preventing adverse nutritional outcomes.
Abstract

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