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Severe primary malnutrition in US children
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Severe protein-calorie malnutrition affects infants in the US, with affected children showing failure to thrive. Early nutritional evaluation and reporting are crucial for these cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Severe primary protein-calorie malnutrition is a critical health concern in infants.
- Failure to thrive in young children necessitates thorough investigation into nutritional status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of severe primary protein-calorie malnutrition in infants admitted to a pediatric hospital.
- To highlight the need for improved nutritional assessment and reporting of malnutrition in the United States.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 16 infants (≤18 months) diagnosed with severe primary protein-calorie malnutrition.
- Analysis of patient demographics, nutritional status (Wellcome Trust criteria), and hospital stay duration.
Main Results:
- All patients were significantly below the fifth percentile for weight for length.
- Rapid growth was observed upon nutritional rehabilitation in the hospital.
- A notable proportion were from teenage pregnancies and relied on public aid.
Conclusions:
- Severe primary protein-calorie malnutrition is present in the United States.
- Comprehensive nutritional evaluation is essential for children experiencing failure to thrive.
- Malnutrition should be considered a reportable condition to improve public health surveillance.