Clinical Profile and Management Outcomes of Acute Severe Malnutrition in Children: a Hospital-based Descriptive Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
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.
DOI: 10.53555/k0yypr26
Author: Dr. Anup Paliwal
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412893076