Effect of interventions targeting neurodevelopment and cognitive function in young children with severe acute...

Mortality rates from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children have significantly declined. The effects of treatment for SAM on neurodevelopment in children, however, have been less thoroughly researched. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of various interventions on neurodevelopment in children with SAM.

The inclusion criteria were studies that enrolled children who met the diagnostic criteria of SAM as defined by the World Health Organization. Eligible study designs included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (n-RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals that measured cognitive outcomes after an intervention for SAM. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. PRISMA guidelines were utilized and the study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42025632933).

Six articles were included (n = 3768 children), consisting of four RCTs and two n-RCTs. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Denver Developmental Screening Tool, and Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool were the assessment tools used. Studies evaluating the implementation of lipid-optimized ready-to-use therapeutic foods (LO-RUTFs) showed improvement in cognitive function. Psychosocial interventions demonstrated heterogeneous improvements in cognitive function.

Children with SAM have a significant risk of developing neurodevelopmental delay. LORUTFs and psychosocial stimulation can be used to improve development outcomes in children with SAM, but further study is needed to standardize delivery. Developmental tools used to assess neurodevelopmental delay in children with SAM should also be.