scholarly journals A Study of Serum Electrolytes in Malnourished Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-43
Author(s):  
Mohd Zakir Mohiuddin Owais ◽  
N.L Sridhar

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is one of the most common health problems. SAM children are more prone to serious infections that culminate in different co-morbid conditions and result in electrolyte disturbances. Objective: To study the electrolyte profile in severely malnourished children. Subjects and Methods:This was Hospital based cross sectional study. Duration: 1 year from June 2018 to May 2019. Setting: Department of Pediatrics. Participants: 50 Children.Detailed history and physical examination were made. Anthropometric measurements, such as weight and height, were recorded. On admission, electrolytes were performed and children were classified as either hypo / hypernatramic or hypo / hyperkalemic, which depend on the levels of the electrolytes.Result:The Hyponatremia was high with 72% on the day 1, and hypernatremia was 6%, on day 3 hyponatremia was 60% and hypernatremia was 4% and on day 8 Normal sodium was seen in around 68% of the children. The mean sodium significantly improved from day 1 to day 8 with a mean of 135.8±9.9 on the day 8th. The Hypokalemia was highest with 38% on the day 1, Hyperkalemia was seen in 28% of the patients on day 3 and normal potassium was seen in 80% of the children on the day 8th. The mean potassium significantly improved from day 1 to 8 with a mean of 5.5±1.24 on the day 8th. Conclusion:Most of the children with SAM and electrolyte derangements also had diarrhoea. Therefore determination of the electrolyte profile of all patients with SAM immediately on admission and proceeding days after admission is vital as it helps the clinician to decide on the most appropriate fluids to give to help reduce on the morbidity and mortality associated with life threatening electrolyte derangements.

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1410
Author(s):  
Dhara Patel ◽  
Nisha Upadhyay

Background: It is very difficult to recognize the cases with mild-to-moderate malnutrition because clinical criteria for their diagnosis are imprecise and are difficult to interpret accurately. The objective of the study was daily weight gain in gram/kg/day in severely malnourished children.Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study in which total of 114 consecutive patients of SAM less than 5 years treated for complications of severe acute malnutrition using WHO protocol. The study design included 114 children from the NRC and then followed up the period of 6 months to assess the nutritional status during the period of initial stage and the entire follow up period using available record of anthropometry indicators of the admitted children recruited in the study at the NRC.Results: Mean weight at admission was 6.4 Kg, 6.5 Kg and 6.2 Kg of overall, boys and girls respectively. Mean weight at discharge was 6.8 Kg, 6.7 Kg and 6.6 Kg of overall, boys and girls respectively. Mean MUAC at admission was 10.7 cm, 10.9 cm and 10.6 cm of overall, boys and girls respectively. Mean MUAC at discharge was 10.9 cm, 10.9 cm and 10.8 cm of overall, boys and girls respectively.Conclusions: For treatment of severe acute malnutrition, systematic guidelines required, thus this study indicates that following WHO guidelines, it has become easier to manage SAM in hospital settings, with least possible stay at hospital. The objective of the study was to know the effect of nutritional intervention measures on selected anthropometric indicators of severe acute malnourished children.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e034738
Author(s):  
Marzia Lazzerini ◽  
Humphrey Wanzira ◽  
Peter Lochoro ◽  
Amos Ndunguste ◽  
Jerry Ictho ◽  
...  

Objectives5.0 million annual deaths in low-income and middle-income countries are due to poor quality of care (QOC). We evaluated the QOC provided to malnourished children in West Nile Region in Uganda.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingWest Nile Region, an area hosting over one million refugees.ParticipantsAmong 148 facilities providing nutritional services, 30 randomly selected facilities (20%) and the records of 1467 children with severe acute malnutrition (100% of those attending the 30 facilities during last year) were assessed.OutcomesThe national Nutrition Service Delivery Assessment (NSDA) tool was used to assess capacity areas related to QOC. Case management, data quality and health outcomes were assessed from official health records. Multivariate analysis was performed to explore factors significantly associated with better cure rates.ResultsOf 305 NSDA scores allocated to 30 participating centres, 201 (65.9%) were ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. However, 20 (66.7%) facilities had ‘poor’ ‘quality improvement mechanisms’ and 13 (43.3%) had ‘poor’ ‘human resources’. Overall data quality in official records was poor, while recorded quality of case management was overall fair. Average cure rate was significantly lower than international Sphere standards (50.4% vs 75% p<0.001) with a higher default rate (23.2% vs 15% p<0.001). Large heterogeneity among facilities was detected for all indicators. Refugee-hosting and non-refugee-hosting facilities had a similar cure rate (47.1% vs 52.1%) though transfer rates were higher for those hosting refugees (21.5% vs 1.9%, p<0.001) despite better ‘equipment and supplies’. ‘Good/excellent’ ‘equipment’ and ‘store management’ were significantly associated with better cure rates in outpatient therapeutic centres (+55.9, p<0.001; +65.4, p=0.041, respectively) in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThough most NSDA capacity areas were rated good or excellent, health outcomes of malnourished children in West Nile Region, both in refugee-hosting and non-refugee-hosting facilities, are significantly below international standards. Effective and sustainable approaches to improve malnourished child health outcomes are needed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (17) ◽  
pp. 3181-3186
Author(s):  
Chabungbam Smilie ◽  
Dheeraj Shah ◽  
Prerna Batra ◽  
Rafat S Ahmed ◽  
Piyush Gupta

AbstractObjective:To determine the prevalence and predictors of hypocalcaemia in under-five children (1–59 months) hospitalised with severe acute malnutrition (SAM).Design:A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of hypocalcaemia among children hospitalised with SAM. Serum Ca and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-(OH)D) were estimated. Hypocalcaemia was defined as serum Ca (albumin-adjusted) <2·12 mmol/l. To identify the clinical predictors of hypocalcaemia, a logistic regression model was constructed taking hypocalcaemia as a dependent variable, and sociodemographic and clinical variables as independent variables.Setting:A tertiary care hospital in Delhi, between November 2017 and April 2019.Participants:One-hundred and fifty children (1–59 months) hospitalised with SAM were enrolled.Results:Hypocalcaemia was documented in thirty-nine (26 %) children hospitalised with SAM, the prevalence being comparable between children aged <6 months (11/41, 26·8 %) and those between 6 and 59 months (28/109, 25·7 %) (P = 0·887). Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-(OH)D <30 nmol/l) and clinical rickets were observed in ninety-eight (65·3 %) and sixty-three (42 %) children, respectively. Hypocalcaemia occurred more frequently in severely malnourished children with clinical rickets (OR 6·6, 95 % CI 2·54, 17·15, P < 0·001), abdominal distension (OR 4·5, 95 % CI 1·39, 14·54, P = 0·012) and sepsis (OR 2·6, 95 % CI 1·00, 6·57, P = 0·050).Conclusion:Rickets and hypocalcaemia are common in children with SAM. Routine supplementation of vitamin D should be considered for severely malnourished children. Ca may be empirically prescribed to severely malnourished children with clinical rickets, abdominal distension and/or sepsis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 157-157
Author(s):  
Yosef Asefaw ◽  
Seifu Hagose ◽  
Girmay Ayana ◽  
Solomon Hailu ◽  
Tadess Kebebe ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Ethiopia has been hesitant to shift to the global MUAC-based definitions for acute malnutrition given the two to four times potential increase in caseload suggested by several cross-sectional surveys. Thus, the objective of this study was to provide specific evidence on the caseload implications for Ethiopia of aligning with the WHO recommended criteria. Methods A cluster-randomized control study was conducted in four districts of Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia in a total of 36 health posts (HPs). Districts and HPs were selected based on previous high case report. In each district, an equal numbers of HPs were randomly assigned to use either the global MUAC criteria of &lt;11.5 cm for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and the moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) criteria of ≥11.5cm to &lt;12.5 cm (intervention) or the current Ethiopian criteria of &lt;11 cm for SAM and ≥11 cm to &lt;12 cm for MAM (control). All 6–59 mo children were screened regularly for 16 wks. Malnourished children were admitted to the study according to the criteria assigned to their HP. Results A total of 349 SAM and 986 MAM new cases were admitted during the 16 wk recruitment. Of the new SAM cases, 225 were in intervention and 124 were in control HPs. The ratio of SAM in intervention compared to control HPs was 1.78 (1.14–2.42, 95%CI), which indicates an increase in admissions of 78% (P = 0.019). The mean (±SD) monthly SAM admissions per HPs were 1.71 (0.53) in control and 2.97 (3.31) in intervention (P = 0.191). For MAM, 592 cases were in intervention and 394 were in control for a ratio of 1.50 (1.11–1.89). The global MUAC criteria increased caseload by 50% (P = 0.015) compared to control. The mean monthly new MAM admissions per HPs were 5.47 (4.02) in control and 8.22 (3.28) in intervention (P = 0.045). The mean number of children served during biweekly combined sessions for SAM and MAM was 19.67 (9.28) in intervention and 13.08 (8.28) in control (P = 0.026). For sessions restricted to SAM, a mean of 4.26 (4.11) was served in intervention and 1.92 (1.88) in control (P = 0.028). Conclusions The increases in cases and workload resulting from shifting from Ethiopia's current national SAM and MAM admission and discharge criteria to the WHO criteria are likely to be on a smaller scale than is usually claimed based on various cross-sectional surveys. Most HPs were not overwhelmed due to the shift. Funding Sources Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolette Nabukeera-Barungi ◽  
Betty Lanyero ◽  
Benedikte Grenov ◽  
Henrik Friis ◽  
Hanifa Namusoke ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Malnutrition continues to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity among children in resource limited settings. Children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) experience severe thymus atrophy, possibly reflecting poor immune function. This immune dysfunction is responsible for the severe infections they experience which lead to mortality. Since their immune dysfunction is not fully understood and there has been a lapse in research in this field, more research is needed. Knowing the correlates of thymus size may help clinicians identify those with more severe atrophy who might have more severe immune impairment. We aimed to describe thymus size and its correlates at admission among children hospitalized with SAM. Methods This cross-sectional study involved children 6-59 months admitted with complicated SAM in Mulago National Referral Hospital. Well-nourished children from same communities were used as a community reference group for thymus size. At admission, thymus size was measured by ultrasound scan. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were identified at admission. A linear regression model was used to determine correlates of thymus size among children with SAM. Results Among 388 children with SAM, the mean age was 17±8.5 months and 58% were boys. The mean thymus size was 3.14 (95% CI 2.9; 3.4) cm2 lower than that of the 27 healthy community reference children (1.06 vs 4.2 cm2, p<0.001) when controlled for age. Thymus size positively correlated with current breastfeeding (0.14, 95% CI 0.01, 0.26), anthropometric measurements at admission (weight, length, mid-upper-arm circumference, weight-for-height Z scores and length-for-age Z scores) and suspected tuberculosis (0.12, 95% CI 0.01; 0.22). Thymus size negatively correlated with > 2 weeks duration of sickness (-0.10; 95% CI -0.19; -0.01). Conclusion The thymus is indeed a barometer for nutrition since all anthropometric measurements and breastfeeding were associated with bigger thymus. The immune benefits of breastfeeding among children with SAM is underscored. Children with longer duration of illness had a smaller thymus gland indicating that infections have a role in the cause or consequence of thymus atrophy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 1092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rameshwar Ninama ◽  
Chakshu Chaudhry ◽  
Rameshwar Lal Suman ◽  
Suresh Goyal ◽  
Ramprakash Prakash Bairwa ◽  
...  

Background: Diarrhea is the major cause of death in children below five years of age. Hypoglycemia has been a potential fatal complication of infectious diarrhea in both well-nourished and poorly nourished children. But prevalence of hypoglycemia in diarrheal dehydration is not exactly known. This study was done to evaluate the glycemic status in children having acute diarrhea with dehydration and specifically associated with severe acute malnutrition (SAM).Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during July 2017 to December 2017 at Bal Chikitsalaya Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Blood glucose levels were assessed in 150 children of acute diarrhea with dehydration, comprising of 100 SAM and 50 Non SAM children.Results: Average blood glucose of SAM children was 89 mg/dl and of non-SAM, it was 120 mg/dl. Average blood glucose was low in SAM as compared to non-SAM in both some dehydration (116.08±21.26) and severe dehydration (66.69±19.80) as well as with or without ORS intake. Overall 18 (12%) of children had hypoglycemia and all were in severe dehydration and not taking ORS. Blood glucose levels were statistically low in severe dehydration and those who were not taking ORS at the time of hospitalization (p = 0.001). In severe dehydration 25% of children had hypoglycemia means every fourth child had low blood glucose <54 mg/dl.Conclusions: Overall prevalence of hypoglycemia is 12% in diarrheal dehydration and 20% in SAM with dehydration. Twenty five percent of severe dehydration children had hypoglycemia, and all have not started ORS. None of the child started ORS developed hypoglycaemia.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Ghimire ◽  
Binod Kumar Aryal ◽  
Ankush Kumar Gupta ◽  
Suman Sapkota Sapkota

Abstract Background: Despite consistent efforts to enhance child nutrition, poor nutritional status of children continues to be a major public health problem in Nepal. This study identified the predictors of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children aged 6-59 months in the two districts of Nepal. Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional study conducted among 6 to 59 months children admitted to the Outpatient Therapeutic Care Centres (OTCC). The nutritional status of children was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement. To determine which variables predict the occurrence of SAM, adjusted odds ratio was computed using multivariate logistic regression and p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of 398 children, 5.8 percent were severely malnourished and the higher percentage of female children were malnourished. Multivariate analysis showed that severe acute malnutrition was significantly associated with family size (five or more members) (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 3.96; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.23 - 12.71). Children from severely food insecure households (AOR: 4.04; 95% CI: 1.88-10.53) were four times more likely to be severely malnourished. Higher odds of SAM were found among younger age-group (AOR: 12.10; 95% CI: 2.06 - 71.09) children (0 - 12 vs. 24 - 59 months). . Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that household size, household food access, and the child’s age were the major predictors of severe acute malnutrition. Engaging poor families in kitchen gardening to ensure household food access and nutritious diet to the children, along with health education and promotion to the mothers of young children are therefore recommended to reduce child undernutrition.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Javeria Saleem ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Gul Mehar Javaid Bukhari ◽  
Aneela Fatima ◽  
Florian Fischer

Abstract Background In developing countries, malnutrition in children and developmental delays are two major challenges for public health. To achieve the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals from the broader perspective of child health, early identification of developmental delays and timely intervention are crucial. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of suspected developmental delay and their predictors in children under the age of 5 years with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in rural areas of Pakistan. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition. We screened children aged 6–59 months for their nutritional status and clinical complications. Children fulfilling the inclusion criteria underwent the Denver Development Screening Tool II (DDST-II). The children’s global developmental profile was calculated according to the established protocols of DDST-II, which are based on four important domains of development: personal and social behaviour, language, gross motor adaptive skills and fine motor adaptive skills. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and nutritional factors for assessing predictors of developmental delay, which were analysed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results Out of 177 children with severe acute malnutrition, 69 (38.9%) had normal global development and 108 (61.1%) had delayed global development. Significant associations were found between global developmental delay and younger children (6–24 months vs. 25–59 months; AOR = 4.53, 95% CI: 1.56–13.10, p < 0.01), children who were not exclusively breastfed (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.24–7.56, p = 0.01), and a history of contact with a tuberculosis smear-positive adult (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.30–5.49, p < 0.01). Conclusion About two thirds of the study participants showed delayed or unstable global development. Thus, according to DDST-II-established protocols, there is a high prevalence of suspected developmental delay among children under the age of five years with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in rural areas of Pakistan. Children in their first 2 years of life were at particularly high risk due to insufficient breastfeeding. This emphasizes the need to provide adequate infrastructure and information to parents for the prevention of developmental delay in remote areas.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aminu Taura Abdullahi ◽  
Zubaida Ladan Farouk ◽  
Abdulazeez Imam

Abstract BackgroundChildren with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition are managed routinely within out-patient malnutrition treatment programs. These programs do not offer maternal mental health support services, despite maternal mental health playing a significant role in the nutritional status of children. Additionally, the burden of maternal Common Mental Disorders (CMDs) is poorly described among mothers of children attending these programs. This study thus determined the burden and risk factors for maternal CMDs among children attending out-patient malnutrition clinics in rural North-western Nigeria.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 204 mothers of children with severe acute malnutrition who attending eight out-patient malnutrition clinics in Jigawa, North-western Nigeria. We used the World Health Organization Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (WHO SRQ-20) screening tool, a recognised and validated proxy measure for CMDs to identify mothers with CMDs. The prevalence of maternal CMDs was determined by identifying the proportion of mothers with SRQ scores of ≥8. Risk factors for CMD were determined using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsMaternal CMD prevalence in children attending these facilities was high at 40.7%. Non-receipt of oral polio vaccine (OPV) (AOR 6.23, 95%CI 1.85 to 20.92) increased the odds for CMD. While spousal age above 40 (AOR 0.95, 95%CI 0.90 to 0.99) and long years spent married (AOR 0.92, 95%CI 0.85 to 0.98) decreased the odds for CMD. ConclusionsOur findings indicate maternal CMD burden is high in out-patient malnutrition clinics in North-western Nigeria. Maternal mental health services would need to be integrated into the community management of acute malnutrition programs to provide more holistic care, and possibly improve long-term outcomes after discharge from these programs


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