Childhood malnutrition: an analysis of the effects of nutritional advice

An analysis of malnutrition was done in 65 infants and preschool children (18 boys and 47 girls) who were under the third percentile of weight for age. Fifty-seven percent of cases has hematocrits of less than 36%, 7% had hematocrits of less than 30% and two had iron deficiency anemia which improved after iron supplement. Eosinophils of more than 400 cells/mm3 were found in 35% of cases. Eleven percent had eosinophils of more than 1,000 cells/mm3. Parasites were found on stool examination in 12.5% of cases. Bone development was retarded in 39% of 23 cases. In 7 cases with bone development delayed more than 6 months, thyroid function and trace elements were analysed and found to be within normal limits. In 5 cases with delayed bone development and height less than 5 cm/year, growth hormones showed normal levels. Proper nutritional advice resulted in improvement in body weight and height in 57% of cases, tricept skin fold in 73%, bicept skin fold in 60%, arm muscle area in 50% and arm fat area in 29% of cases. Improvement was not associated with family income or education of the people who cared for the patients.