Publication: Analysis of Co-morbidities in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in Eastern Nepal
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Malnutrition is a common problem in developing countries and often associated with co-morbidities. The present study was undertaken with objectives of to find out the comorbidities in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based study carried in 77 children with SAM, diagnosed on the basis of WHO criteria.
Results: The age group of children was 1- 5 years (median age 23 months) with about 39% between 1- 2 years. There were 38 males (49.3%). Low maternal education (60%), overcrowding (60%), lower- middle socioeconomic status (87%) were some of the predisposing factors observed. Pneumonia (51%), acute gastroenteritis (21%) and bacterial meningitis (8%) were common co- morbidities found. Associated abnormal laboratory parameters found were anemia (60%), leucocytosis (38%), hyboalbuminemia (36%) hyponetremia (31%), and hypokalemia (17%).
Conclusion: Presence of infections and biochemical abnormalities require urgent attention in SAM cases and appropriate treatment in a hospital setting to improve their survival.
Description
Anil Thapa
Department of Paediatrics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan
Gauri Shankar Shah
Department of Paediatrics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan
Om P Mishra
Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Keywords
Severe acute malnutrition, Co-morbidities, Laboratory abnormalities