Integrated Approach of The Health Team in The Management of Malnutrition Marasmus in Children

Abstract

Objective: To analyze, through the scientific literature, the importance of the integrated approach of the health team in the management of childhood marasmus malnutrition. Theoretical framework: Childhood marasmus malnutrition is a severe medical condition that mainly affects children under five years of age, and is characterized by an extreme lack of calories and essential nutrients, resulting in a state of severe emaciation where the child's body consumes its own tissues in an attempt to survive. Method: A descriptive integrative review with a qualitative approach, in which a search was carried out in Sicelo, PubMed, LILACS and the Cochrane Library. The descriptors "Malnutrition", "Protein-Calorie Malnutrition", "Patient Care Team" and "Child Health" were used in combination with the Boolean operator AND. Initially, 9,887 studies were found, but this was reduced to 119 studies, of which 12 were selected. Results and Discussion: The management of childhood marasmus malnutrition was shown to be crucial to ensuring the recovery and healthy development of affected children. Marasmus is a severe form of energy-protein malnutrition, characterized by extreme weight loss and loss of fat and muscle tissue, caused mainly by inadequate calorie and protein intake. Research Implications: The implementation of solid policies, education, continuous support for families and the commitment of health professionals are fundamental pillars for reversing malnutrition and corroborating healthy child development. Originality/value: The study incorporates pertinent theories, corroborating the literature through contributions to clinical practice in the face of childhood stunting.