Analysis of Co-morbidities in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in Eastern Nepal

Authors

  • 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

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v35i2.13098

Keywords:

Severe acute malnutrition, Co-morbidities, Laboratory abnormalities

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.

J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(2):99-102

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Published

2016-01-20

How to Cite

Thapa, A., Shah, G. S., & Mishra, O. P. (2016). Analysis of Co-morbidities in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in Eastern Nepal. Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 35(2), 99–102. https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v35i2.13098

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 2 (2015)

Section

Original Articles

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