Clinical profile and outcome of children with severe acute malnutrition

Abstract

Introduction: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a unique type of severe malnutrition and is different from severe underweight and severe stunting. This study evaluated the clinical manifestations among the children admitted to the SCB medical college and SVP PGIP and elucidated further the factors associated with severe malnutrition among the undernourished children and finally the outcome in terms of cured or mortality.

Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional time-bound study with follow-up component was conducted by using technique of sampling without replacement. Children aged 1-60 months admitted to SCB MCH and SVPPGIP during September 2013 to September 2015, having features of SAM were considered for the study population. After detailed history and physical examination, relevant investigations were done and critical analysis made.

Results: Total 130 patients with SAM constituted the study population. The overall prevalence of SAM was 2.5 %. Majority were non edematous SAM (Marasmus) (77%) and rest were oedematous (Kwashiorkor).There was no variation in sex as both male and female patients were with equal percentage (50%). About 12.3 % of children with SAM were less than 2 months, 47.7 % between 2 to 12 months, and 40% were above 12 months.

Conclusion: Malnutrition is predicted by age less than two years, living with single parent, taking unbalanced diet, lack or incomplete immunization and low level of maternal education. Co-morbidities associated with malnutrition were pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, urinary tract infection. Mortality is predicted by age less than one year, peasant parents, having severe malnutrition, dehydration, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia.