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Clinico-biochemical profile of sick children with severe acute malnutrition

Dhilip Kumar1, Sunil Kumar Rao2, Tej Bali Singh3

  • 1Resident Pediatrics, IMS, BHU, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
|August 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Edematous malnutrition, a severe form of acute malnutrition, is common in young children and associated with higher risks of death and medical complications. This study details the clinical and biochemical profiles of these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) presents with edematous and marasmic phenotypes.
  • Kwashiorkor is the most severe form of edematous malnutrition.
  • Understanding the clinico-biochemical profile of SAM is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinico-biochemical profile of sick children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.
  • To compare the characteristics of edematous versus non-edematous malnutrition in children.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 122 children aged 6-60 months meeting WHO criteria for SAM.
  • Data collected included demographics, anthropometry, clinical history, and physical examination.
  • Biochemical investigations included blood gas analysis, serum electrolytes, calcium, albumin, and blood sugar.

Main Results:

  • 65% of children had edematous malnutrition, predominantly in younger children (25.7 vs. 34.5 months).
  • Edematous malnutrition was linked to higher rates of pneumonia, gastroenteritis, hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis, and hypocalcemia.
  • Children with edematous malnutrition faced a 1.3-1.4 times higher risk of death or leaving against medical advice.

Conclusions:

  • Edematous malnutrition is prevalent in children aged 1-3 years.
  • Clinical and biochemical abnormalities are frequent comorbidities in edematous malnutrition.
  • Prompt recognition and management of edematous malnutrition are vital to reduce mortality.
Abstract

Keywords:
Edematous malnutritionmorbiditysevere acute malnutrition

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