Risk and Adverse Outcome Factors of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children: A Hospital-Based Study in Odisha

Abstract

BackgroundMalnutrition is prevalent in 41% of children less than five years old in developing countries. ObjectiveTo determine the clinical spectrum, identify the risk factors, and find out the factors responsible for the adverse outcomes of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children. MethodsIn this prospective cohort, children aged one month to five years with SAM from October 2016 to September 2018 were enrolled. Clinical profile, contributing factors, treatment, and outcome of cases (n=198) were noted. ResultsSAM was diagnosed in 323 (1.6%) of admitted cases. The unimmunized children were 123 (62.1%). Common co-morbidities were acute gastroenteritis (n=89, 44.9%), respiratory tract infection (n=88, 44.4%), and septicemia (n=54, 26.7%). Children not on exclusive breastfeeding (n=157, 79.1%), early complementary feeding (<6 months) (n=157, 88.2%), bottle-feeding (n=138, 77.55%), low birth weight (157, 79.1%), living in kutcha houses (115, 58.2%), and unavailability of safe drinking water (131, 66.4%) were the significant risk factors. Pneumonia, diarrhea, nutritional edema, hypothermia, and circulatory shock at the time of admission were responsible for adverse outcomes. One hundred and eighty-three (92.4%) children were cured and discharged and 15 (7.6%) children died. ConclusionsWrong feeding practices and unavailability of safe drinking water have an important bearing on the development of SAM children. Pneumonia, diarrhea, nutritional edema, hypothermia, and circulatory shock at the time of admission were responsible for adverse outcomes.

Risk factors associated with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children aged 6 – 59 months in the Mokolo Health District, Far North region of Cameroon

“…Consequently, relying solely on breast milk may not suffice to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. These findings are consistent with those of Das et al 20 where inappropriate introduction of complementary feeding was similarly found to be significantly associated with SAM. Notably, our study revealed that only 50% of participants introduced complementary feeding in a timely manner, a rate lower than the regional average of 66.7% 7 .…”

Treatment Outcomes of Severe Acute Malnutrition and Its Determinants Among Paediatric Patients in Quetta City, Pakistan

“…The recovery rate of the current study is lower than the Sphere Standard acceptable ranges (mortality < 3%, default < 15%, and recovered > 75%), 37 and to what is reported by several studies of the same nature. 38–42 However, it is comparable to other studies reporting recovery rates from SAM. 43–47 The conflicts of the recovery rates are attributed to the difference in settings where the OTP program was offered which is not the same in various healthcare settings.…”

Growth monitoring and nutritional outcome of severe acute malnutrition children in the presence and absence of edema: a facility based retrospective study

“…In a study conducted by Jena et al SAM was more common in children aged 6 months to 1 year. 22 Prevalence of SAM was found to be equal amongst male and female patients in our study. Similarly in a study conducted by Das et al by there was no variation in sex.…”