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Malnutrition in hospitalized children: prevalence, impact, and management

Veronique Groleau1, Maxime Thibault2, Myriam Doyon2

  • 1Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre and Ste-Justine University Hospital Centre.

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research : a Publication of Dietitians of Canada = Revue Canadienne De La Pratique Et De La Recherche En Dietetique : Une Publication Des Dietetistes Du Canada
|March 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Hospitalized children frequently face malnutrition. Early nutritional risk score (NRS) and nutritional status (NS) assessments are crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes in pediatric care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Clinical Malnutrition Assessment
  • Hospitalized Patient Care

Background:

  • Malnutrition in hospitalized children is a persistent issue since the 1970s.
  • Understanding its prevalence and impact is vital for improving pediatric healthcare.
  • Previous studies highlight the need for better nutritional management in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition in hospitalized children.
  • To assess the impact of malnutrition on hospital stay duration.
  • To evaluate the management and energy intake of malnourished pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Nutritional risk score (NRS) and nutritional status (NS) were assessed in 173 children (0-18 years) upon admission.
  • Growth and energy intake were monitored every three days until discharge.
  • Nutritional parameters included weight, height, BMI, and skinfold thickness.

Main Results:

  • 79.8% of children had moderate to severe NRS; 13.3% were malnourished.
  • High NRS correlated with longer hospital stays in older children; poor NS in younger children.
  • A decrease in skinfold thickness was observed, despite stable weight.

Conclusions:

  • Routine NRS and NS evaluation for all hospitalized children is recommended.
  • Early identification enables targeted nutrition interventions.
  • Multidisciplinary nutrition teams are essential for effective management.
Abstract

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