A Missed Opportunity: Severe Malnutrition in an Infant Despite Routine Care Access

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Severe infant malnutrition is uncommon in Canada but represents a critical public health concern.
• Infants can develop severe malnutrition due to factors like insufficient breastmilk or underfeeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of severe infant malnutrition presenting with multiple metabolic derangements.
• To emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of infant malnutrition.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 5-month-old male infant presenting with rash and severe malnutrition.
• Clinical assessment including biochemical markers, management with intravenous fluids and tailored feeding plans.
• Close monitoring of nutritional status and laboratory values during treatment.

Main Results:

• The infant presented with hypoglycemia, bradycardia, hypothermia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis.
• Treatment led to gradual improvement in nutritional status, normalization of symptoms, and laboratory values.
• Successful management prevented complications such as refeeding syndrome.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of growth failure in infants is essential for timely intervention.
• Effective management strategies for severe infant malnutrition involve careful monitoring and tailored feeding.
• Preventing complications like refeeding syndrome is a key aspect of treating infant malnutrition.