An evaluation of cardiac function in malnourished children by non-invasive methods

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Nutritional Science
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a significant global health issue affecting children.
• Cardiac function can be compromised in malnourished individuals, but specific echocardiographic findings in pediatric PEM require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate left ventricular function in children with varying grades of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) using echocardiography.
• To compare cardiac dimensions and function between malnourished children and normally nourished children.

Main Methods:

• Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function was performed on 46 children aged 3-48 months with diagnosed PEM.
• Children with pre-existing cardiac conditions, chronic illnesses, or significant anemia were excluded.
• Cardiac chamber size, ventricular wall thickness, cardiac output, fractional shortening, mean circumferential fiber shortening rate, and ejection fraction were measured.

Main Results:

• Children with Grades III and IV PEM exhibited significantly smaller cardiac chamber dimensions and ventricular wall thickness compared to controls.
• Severe PEM was associated with significantly decreased cardiac output and impaired left ventricular function indices, including fractional shortening and ejection fraction.
• Evidence suggests left ventricular dysfunction in moderately severe malnutrition.

Conclusions:

• Protein-energy malnutrition, particularly in severe forms, leads to cardiac atrophy and left ventricular dysfunction in children.
• Echocardiography is a valuable tool for assessing cardiac impact in pediatric malnutrition.
• Findings highlight the detrimental effects of malnutrition on cardiovascular health in children.