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Growth of Nigerian children with marasmus after hospital treatment
Insights
Most Nigerian children treated for marasmus experienced long-term growth stunting due to socioeconomic factors and poor stimulation. Prevention through maternal and child health services is crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition with significant long-term health implications.
- Nigerian children treated for marasmus often face challenges in post-hospital recovery and growth.
- Socioeconomic status and environmental stimulation are critical factors influencing child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term growth trajectory of Nigerian children following hospital treatment for marasmus.
- To identify factors contributing to growth deficits in children recovering from severe malnutrition.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of post-treatment support and interventions.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking the growth of 38 Nigerian children for five years post-hospitalization for marasmus.
- Monitoring of physical growth parameters including height, weight, and head circumference.
- Assessment of socioeconomic status and environmental stimulation in the children's home environments.
Main Results:
- Most children did not achieve normal growth, with only a few exceeding the 50th percentile for height and weight.
- Three children died within the first two years of follow-up.
- Head circumference measurements remained below the 50th percentile for most children after five years.
- Low socioeconomic status and inadequate environmental stimulation were identified as primary barriers to catch-up growth.
Conclusions:
- Marasmus in Nigerian children has a poor long-term prognosis, often linked to socioeconomic challenges and inadequate home environments.
- Early onset of marasmus may indicate a progression from low birth weight, infections, and poor feeding.
- Prevention strategies focusing on maternal and child health services and health education are essential to reduce the incidence and impact of marasmus.
Abstract:
The growth of 38 Nigerian children who had suffered from marasmus was studied for five years after hospital treatment. In spite of health and nutritional education provided to the mothers, most of the children did not catch up in growth by the end of this period. Three children died within the first two years. Only one child attained a height above the 50th percentile, and two gained weight above the 50th percentile, using Nigerian standards. The head circumference measurements of only four children were above the 50th percentile of the Nellhaus chart after five years. Lack of sustained nutritional support due to the low socioeconomic status of the families to which the children returned after treatment and poor environmental stimulation were the major factors responsible for the stunting of growth. The early age of onset of marasmus in some of these children suggests that the syndrome is a sequel to low birth weight complicated by infections and inadequate feeding. In view of the poor long-term prognosis of marasmus, emphasis should be on prevention through health education and improvement of maternal and child health services.