Biochemical Profile of Children with Acute Severe Malnutrition at a Tertiary Care Setting
Keywords:
Biochemical profile, malnutrition, pediatrics, prevalence, severe acute malnutritionAbstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Malnutrition is highly prevalent globally and Asian countries harboring almost 70% of malnourished children. The biochemical, biologic and radiologic features are of paramount importance in Severe Acute Malnutrition to support diagnosis.
Objective
The objective of this study was to explore the frequency of biochemical factors in children presenting with Severe Acute Malnutrition.
Methodology
Children with acute severe malnutrition, having age range of 6-59 months with severe acute malnutrition of ?6 weeks, admitted at Pediatric Unit Leady Reading Hospital Peshawar were included in study. The study was conducted during 6 months from October 13, 2018 to April 13, 2019. Child’s age, weight, mother’s gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight, maternal education and parity were recorded on a paper questionnaire. Blood samples were sent to hospital laboratory for serum electrolytes, hemoglobin, serum calcium, serum albumin, random blood sugar. Data was analyzed in SPSS-20. Frequency of biochemical profile was calculated.
Results
Out of 161 children, 48% were 1-3 years old, followed by 33% 3-5 years old. Majority of children were females (62%). Low birth weight children were 60%. Maternal illiteracy was 58% among mothers of children. Multiparty of mothers was reported in 59% and 67% children were born by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Anemia was the most common (98%) finding followed by hypokalemia (68%) children, hypocalcemia (35%), Hypochloremia (16%) and Hyponatremia (14%). Serum albumin was low in 7% children. Hypoglycemia was found in 15% children.
Conclusion
Anemia followed by hypokalemia was the commonest biochemical findings in acute severe malnutrition. Similarly, hypocalcemia and hypoglycemia were also common which are life threatening conditions in acute severe malnutrition.
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