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Lung functions in malnourished children aged five to eleven years
M M Faridi1, P Gupta, A Prakash
1Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi.
Insights
Malnourished children aged 5-11 showed significantly reduced lung function, specifically forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). These respiratory function tests indicate potential long-term health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Nutritional Science
- Child Health Research
Background:
- Malnutrition is prevalent in children and can impact overall health.
- Respiratory health is crucial for childhood development and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess lung function in malnourished children.
- To determine the relationship between malnutrition and key respiratory parameters.
Main Methods:
- Lung function tests including FVC, FEV1, PEFR, %FEV1/FVC, and Empey Index were performed.
- A P.K. Morgan's pocket spirometer was used on 122 children (ages 5-11).
- Children were classified as malnourished based on Indian Academy of Pediatrics criteria.
Main Results:
- 80 (65.57%) children were identified as malnourished.
- Malnourished children exhibited significantly reduced FVC and FEV1 (p < 0.02).
- FVC, FEV1, and PEFR demonstrated a linear relationship with body surface area.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition is associated with impaired lung function in children.
- Interpreting abnormal respiratory findings in malnourished children requires careful consideration.
- Early identification and intervention for malnutrition may be vital for respiratory health.
Abstract:
Lung functions including FVC, FEV1, PEFR, %FEV1/FVC and Empey Index were measured using P.K. Morgan's pocket spirometer on 122 children of both sexes in the age group of five to eleven years. There were 80 (65.57%) malnourished children according to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics classification. FVC and FEV1 were significantly (p < 0.02) reduced in malnourished children. FVC (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), FEV1 (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and PEFR (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) showed linear relationship with body surface area in all age groups. Empey index was less than 10 in both healthy and malnourished children. Abnormal respiratory functions should be interpreted with caution in malnourished children.