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Validation of Four Malnutrition Risk Screening Tools (PNST, PYMS, STAMP, and STRONGkids) for Hospitalized Children
Thi My Thuc Luu1, Thi Thu Lieu Nguyen2, Thu Huyen Doan3
1Thi My Thuc Luu, Viet Nam National Children's Hospital, Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Insights
The Screening Tool to Assess Malnutrition in Paediatric patients (STAMP) is the most effective tool for identifying malnutrition in hospitalized children. Early detection with STAMP can improve health outcomes and reduce hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Clinical Assessment
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Early detection of malnutrition in hospitalized children is critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing length of stay.
- Nutritional screening tools are essential for identifying at-risk children promptly.
- This study focuses on evaluating four common pediatric nutritional screening tools within a hospital setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of four pediatric nutritional screening tools: PNST, PYMS, STAMP, and STRONGkids.
- To compare the performance of these tools against established nutritional assessment criteria.
- To identify the most accurate and reliable tool for detecting malnutrition in hospitalized pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 200 pediatric patients.
- Four screening tools (PNST, PYMS, STAMP, STRONGkids) were assessed.
- Each tool's performance was compared against the Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AND/ASPEN) criteria.
Main Results:
- STAMP exhibited the highest sensitivity (91.3%) and specificity (76.3%), with robust predictive values.
- STAMP demonstrated the highest agreement rate (86.5%) and Kappa value (0.7), indicating superior concordance.
- STRONGkids showed a 78% agreement (Kappa = 0.6), while PNST and PYMS had lower agreement rates (75%, Kappa = 0.5).
Conclusions:
- The Screening Tool to Assess Malnutrition in Paediatric patients (STAMP) is the most effective tool for identifying undernutrition in pediatric patients.
- Implementing STAMP in clinical practice can facilitate timely nutritional interventions, leading to better health outcomes.
- Routine use of STAMP can optimize nutritional management strategies and contribute to decreased hospital stays for children.
Introduction:
Early detection of malnutrition in hospitalized children is crucial for reducing hospital stays and improving outcomes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of four pediatric nutritional screening tools-PNST, PYMS, STAMP, and STRONGkids-in a pediatric hospital setting.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study assessed 200 pediatric patients, comparing each tool against SGNA and AND/ASPEN criteria.
Results:
STAMP demonstrated the highest sensitivity (91.3%) and specificity (76.3%), with strong predictive values. It also had the highest agreement rate (86.5%) and a Kappa value of 0.7. STRONGkids followed with a 78% agreement and a Kappa value of 0.6, while PNST and PYMS showed lower agreement (75%, Kappa = 0.5).
Discussion:
STAMP is the most effective tool for detecting undernutrition in pediatric patients, supporting timely interventions and improved health outcomes. Integrating STAMP into pediatric care can enhance nutritional management and reduce hospital stays.
