CLINICAL PROFILE AND MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES OF ACUTE SEVERE MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN: A HOSPITAL-BASED DESCRIPTIVE STUDY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Severe acute malnutrition, children, hospital-based study, treatment outcomes, clinical profile
Abstract
Introduction: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) affects approximately 12.2 million children globally, with South Asia bearing a disproportionate burden. In India, 7.4% of children under five suffer from SAM, representing a significant public health challenge. This study aimed to assess the clinical profile and management outcomes of children with SAM in a tertiary care hospital setting.
Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajasthan, from July to December 2024. Using consecutive sampling, 264 children aged 6 months to 5 years with SAM were enrolled. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation, anthropometric parameters, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.
Results: The majority of cases (87.5%) occurred within the first two years of life, with 76.1% from rural areas and 69.7% from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Marasmus was the predominant clinical form (54.9%). Common comorbidities included diarrhea (59.1%), pneumonia (50.8%), and anemia (75.0%). Treatment success rate was 69.7%, with mortality of 12.9% and defaulter rate of 17.4%. Notably, 52.9% of deaths occurred within 48 hours of admission. Significant predictors of treatment success included younger age, exclusive breastfeeding history, urban residence, and absence of pneumonia.
Conclusion: SAM predominantly affects infants and young children from socioeconomically disadvantaged rural backgrounds, with high comorbidity burden. While treatment outcomes were within acceptable ranges, early mortality remains a critical concern, emphasizing the need for enhanced early recognition and stabilization protocols.
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Dr. Anup Paliwal
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Rajsamand, Rajasthan