How healthy are children one year after discharge from nutritional rehabilitation centres?

Abstract

Nutritional rehabilitation centres (NRCs) have been established to ensure the nutritional recovery of severely malnourished children. The long-term nutritional outcomes in children discharged from NRCs have not been described. In this retrospective cohort study, the nutritional status of 514 children was assessed one year after discharge. Household and maternal data, as well as data regarding variables related to the children's stay at the NRC, were collected. A total of 33.4% had moderate malnutrition and 11.7% had severe malnutrition. The mean weight for height Z-score at admission, discharge and one year after discharge were -3.61, -1.90 and -2.34, respectively. Thus, long-term monitoring and follow-up of children discharged from NRCs till they achieve normal nutritional status is mandatory.

Bringing severe acute malnutrition treatment close to households through community health workers can lead to early admissions and improved discharge outcomes

“…A recent systematic review found that the strongest and most consistent risk factor for relapse after SAM treatment in CMAM programs is low anthropometric measurements at admission [24]. Another study in India reported that children with a MUAC under 105 mm at admission had a 6.46 times increased risk of SAM a year after discharge, although they did not find any significant association with a low WHZ [25]. Various studies have found evidence that high severity at admission is associated with an increased risk of death after discharge.…”