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Prevalence and predictors of hypocalcaemia in severe acute malnutrition

Chabungbam Smilie1, Dheeraj Shah1, Prerna Batra1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi110095, India.

Public Health Nutrition
|July 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Hypocalcaemia affects 26% of hospitalized children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Clinical rickets, abdominal distension, and sepsis are key predictors. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a critical health issue in children.
  • Hypocalcaemia is a common complication in children with SAM.
  • Understanding the prevalence and predictors of hypocalcaemia is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hypocalcaemia in under-five children hospitalized with SAM.
  • To identify clinical and sociodemographic predictors of hypocalcaemia in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital.
  • Serum calcium and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were measured.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of hypocalcaemia.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of hypocalcaemia was 26% among hospitalized children with SAM.
  • Vitamin D deficiency (65.3%) and clinical rickets (42%) were common.
  • Hypocalcaemia was significantly associated with clinical rickets, abdominal distension, and sepsis.

Conclusions:

  • Hypocalcaemia and rickets are prevalent in children with SAM.
  • Routine vitamin D supplementation should be considered.
  • Empirical calcium prescription may be beneficial for children with rickets, abdominal distension, and/or sepsis.
Abstract

Keywords:
HypocalcaemiaPredictorsPrevalenceSevere acute malnutrition

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