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Risk factors of mortality in severely-malnourished children hospitalized with diarrhoea

S K Roy1, Maaike Buis, Renee Weersma

  • 1ICDDR,B, GPO Box 128, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh. skroy@icddrb.org

Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition
|July 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study identified key risk factors for mortality in severely malnourished children hospitalized with diarrhea. Clinical signs like sepsis, hypothermia, and pneumonia significantly increased death risk, aiding prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Severe malnutrition in children is a critical global health issue.
  • Diarrheal diseases are a leading cause of mortality in malnourished children.
  • Identifying specific risk factors is crucial for improving survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors associated with mortality in severely malnourished children hospitalized with diarrhea.
  • To provide a prognostic guide for clinicians managing these vulnerable patients.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study design was employed.
  • 103 deceased severely malnourished children (cases) were compared with 103 survivors (controls).
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Clinical septicaemia (AOR=8.8), hypothermia (AOR=3.5), and bronchopneumonia (AOR=3.0) were significant independent risk factors for mortality.
  • Other indicators like leukocytosis and imperceptible pulse were also associated with increased odds of death.
  • Age was comparable, with cases being slightly younger (median 6 months vs. 8 months).

Conclusions:

  • Clinical septicaemia, hypothermia, and bronchopneumonia are critical predictors of mortality in severely malnourished children with diarrhea.
  • Early recognition and management of these factors can potentially improve outcomes.
  • The study highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention in this high-risk population.

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