Malnutrition in pediatric hospital patients: current issues

Trends in Nutritional Status and Dietary Behavior in School-Aged Children with Congenital Heart Defects

Background: Malnutrition and poor weight gain has been reported in infants with congenital heart defects (CHDs); however data in older children with CHDs are limited. In order to obtain representative data on the nutritional status, dietary behavior, and potential influencing factors in school-aged children with CHDs, we performed a nationwide online survey. Methods: Patients aged 6 to 17 years registered in the German National Register for CHDs were asked to participate in this study by completing the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) eating study questionnaire in order to assess their self-reported dietary habits. The use of the same questionnaire enabled a comparison with a representative subset of 4569 participants of the KiGGS study. Results: A total of 894 patients (mean age 12.5 ± 3.0 years; 47.2% female) were enrolled. Patients were allocated according to anatomic complexity into simple (23.8%), moderate (37.8%), and complex CHDs (38.4%). The consumption of sugar-containing food (p < 0.001) and fast food (p < 0.05) was significantly lower among the CHD patients than in the healthy children. Children with CHDs showed significantly lower body mass index (BMI) percentiles (p < 0.001) compared with their healthy peers, while children with complex and moderate CHDs had the lowest BMI. While in CHD patients, the BMI percentiles were not related to unhealthy food, there was a strong correlation with the CHD severity and number of previous interventions (p < 0.01). Conclusions: According to this nationwide survey, school-aged children with complex CHD are at risk of undernutrition, which is not due to dietary habits but to CHD severity and repeated surgery.

The effect of nutritional risk management program on the growth and development of infants and toddlers with congenital heart disease after discharge

Objective

To evaluate the effect of nutritional risk management program on the growth and development of infants and toddlers with congenital heart disease (CHD) after discharge.

Methods

Infants and toddlers with CHD discharged from a children's specialized hospital in southeast China were selected as the research subjects. The subjects were divided into the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group underwent a nutritional risk management program combined with traditional follow-up after discharge, whereas the control group received traditional follow-up after discharge. The primary outcome measure were the height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), and weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) at different time point and the percentage of growth and development curves were also recorded and analyzed.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in general characteristics between the two groups. However, in the intervention group, the percentages of HAZ < -2, WAZ < -2, and WHZ < -2 were lower than those in the control group at 3rd and 6th months after discharge (P < 0.05). The percentage of growth and development curves (3%-97%) was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The readmission rate within 6 months after discharge in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Implementing nutritional risk management program for infants and toddlers with CHD after discharge can help improve postoperative malnutrition, promote growth and development and achieve catch-up growth as soon as possible.

Post-discharge complications and hospital readmissions are associated with nutritional risk and malnutrition status in a cohort of Canadian pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

This study constitutes a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort aiming to evaluate the potential correlation between nutritional risk and status at admission with the occurrence of post-discharge complications and hospital readmissions in children receiving care at high resource Centres.

METHODS

Data was collected from 5 Canadian tertiary pediatric Centers between 2012 and 2016. Nutritional risk and status were evaluated at hospital admission with validated tools (STRONGkids and Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment [SGNA]) and anthropometric measurements. Thirty days after discharge, occurrence of post-discharge complications and hospital readmission were documented.

RESULTS

A total of 360 participants were included in the study (median age, 6.1 years; median length of stay, 5 days). Following discharge, 24.1% experienced complications and 19.5% were readmitted to the hospital. The odds of experiencing complications were nearly tripled for participants with a high nutritional risk compared to a low risk (OR = 2.85; 95% CI [1.08-7.54]; P = 0.035) and those whose caregivers reported having a poor compared to a good appetite (OR = 2.96; 95% CI [1.59-5.50]; P < 0.001). According to SGNA, patients identified as malnourished had significantly higher odds of complications (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.15-3.20; P = 0.013) and hospital readmission (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.12-3.39; P = 0.017) than to those well-nourished.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that complications and readmission post-discharge are common, and these are more likely to occur in malnourished children compared to their well-nourished counterparts. Enhancing nutritional care during admission, at discharge and in the community may be an area for future outcome optimization.

Children with Localized Crohn's Disease Benefit from Early Ileocecal Resection and Perioperative Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy

INTRODUCTION

 In pediatric Crohn's disease ileocecal resection is performed reluctantly as postoperative recurrence is frequent. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy reduces postoperative recurrence rates but increases the risk for infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 We retrospectively reviewed pediatric Crohn's disease patients who underwent ileocecal resection in our center. We compared disease activity and z-scores for height, weight, and body mass index of patients, who continuously received perioperative anti-TNF therapy (TNF + ), with those who did not (TNF-).

RESULTS

 Of 29 patients (48% females), 13 and 16 were grouped to TNF+ and TNF-, respectively. Patients' characteristics did not differ between groups, except a longer follow-up time in TNF-. We saw significant postoperative improvement but no normalization in z-scores for weight (1.78 vs. 0.77, p < 0.001), body mass index (1.08 vs. 0.22, p < 0.001), and height (0.88 vs. 0.66, p < 0.001). Disease activity improved significantly more in patients receiving anti-TNF therapy (moderate improvement in 83% vs. 31%, p = 0.02). Endoscopic recurrence was more frequent in patients without anti-TNF therapy (80% vs. 20%; p = 0.023), but endoscopic follow-up was incomplete. There was no increase of infections under perioperative anti-TNF therapy (1 patient each; p = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

 In patients with localized Crohn's disease an ileocecal resection leads to short-term postoperative improvement of disease activity, body mass index, weight, and growth. For relevant catch-up growth an earlier intervention is necessary. Continuous perioperative anti-TNF therapy had no increased risk of perioperative infections.

Anthropometric assessment: ESPGHAN quality of care survey from paediatric hospitals in 28 European countries

OBJECTIVES

Assessment of anthropometric data is essential for paediatric healthcare. We surveyed the implementation of European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) evidence-based guidelines and practical recommendations on nutritional care, particularly regarding anthropometric measurements.

METHODS

Paediatric hospitals from 28 European countries provided pseudonymized data through online questionnaires on hospital characteristics and their standards of nutritional care. Practical tasks assessed an unbiased collection and reporting of anthropometric measurements in random patients' files and discharge letters.

RESULTS

Of 114 hospitals (67% academic), 9% have no nutritionist/dietitian available, 18% do not provide standard policy to assess weight and height and 15% lack training for nursing staff for accurate performance. A wall-mounted stadiometer to measure standing height and equipment for sitting weight is unavailable in 9% and 32%, respectively. Infant length is measured by one instead of two healthcare professionals and with a tape instead of a rigid length measuring board in 58% and 15% of hospitals, respectively. The practical tasks reviewed 1414 random patients, thereof 446 younger than 2 years of age. Missing documentation occurred significantly more often for height versus weight and their percentiles in infants ≤2 years versus older children, and in general paediatric versus gastrointestinal patients, with no difference between academic and nonacademic hospitals. Review of documented anthropometric data in discharge letters disclosed that consultants significantly underestimated the deficits in their units compared to documented data.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey revealed significant gaps in performance and documentation of anthropometry in the participating hospitals. A resurvey will assess changes in quality of care over time.

Evaluation of malnutrition and screening tools in hospitalized children

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Detecting malnutrition and its related risk factors are crucial, in hospitalized children. Anthropometric z scores are used to assess malnutrition. Screening tools also aim to detect the presence of malnutrition and the developing risk of malnutrition in hospitalized children to determine who may benefit from nutritional support. Therefore, the aims of the study are to detect malnutrition and its related demographic and clinical risk factors in hospitalized children and determining the sensitivity of Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP) and Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS) screening tools.

METHODS

A total of 130 hospitalized children aged between 0 and 18 years were included in to study. A survey including demographic and clinical characteristics, STAMP and PYMS were applied to parents of the children. Patients were classified into nutritional risk groups through screening tools. Anthropometric measurements (body weight, length/height, and middle upper arm circumference (MUAC) of the children were taken. Body mass index-for-age and height-for-age z scores were calculated to assess acute and chronic malnutrition prevalence. MUAC-for-age z scores were calculated as well. To detect independent risk factors for acute and chronic malnutrition multivariable logistic regression models were constructed.

RESULTS

A total of 14.6% of hospitalized children had acute malnutrition, 21.5% of children had chronic malnutrition and 27.7% of them had low MUAC standard deviation score (SDS) (less than -2). The independent risk factors for acute malnutrition were younger maternal age at birth and long length of stay (p < 0.05). The independent risk factors for chronic malnutrition were being female, younger maternal age at birth, longer illness duration and having urological or allergy and immunological diseases (p < 0.05). However, MUAC for age SDS groups were not related to any demographic and clinical factors, in children of all ages (p > 0.05). Regarding the screening tools, PYMS displayed 100% sensitivity against acute malnutrition. While PYMS displayed better sensitivity to identify acute malnutrition than STAMP, STAMP was more sensitive than PYMS to detect chronic malnutrition and low MUAC SDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Low MUAC for age SDS was not related to any demographic and clinical factors, in hospitalized children of all ages, unlike acute and chronic malnutrition, in this study. Pediatric screening tools mainly PYMS did not have high sensitivity to detect chronic malnutrition and low MUAC SDS, in hospitalized children. Therefore, the tools have to be used along with z scores of anthropometric parameters.

Clinical, paraclinical, and genetic profile of patients with cystic fibrosis from Colombian Caribbean

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a serious autosomal recessive disorder. Early diagnosis, comorbidity prevention, and control are cornerstones for a quality life and for improving life expectancy. In Colombian Caribbean, where there is a genetically admixed population, CF is an orphan disease affecting children and adults, and it remains a challenging issue to be addressed carefully. This work describes the genetic, clinical, and paraclinical profiles of CF patients from Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

Methods

Thirty-six patients were included in the study. The subjects were identified and evaluated through the Regional Program for CF patients. CFTR gene mutations, anthropometric parameters, microbiological infections, and pulmonary function were analyzed. Data on demographic parameters, pharmacological treatments, and comorbidities were reported. Frequency and percentages were established for the categorical variables and mean or median for the quantitative variables. In addition, comparisons were made by sex.

Results

The average age of the patients was 11.9 ± 5.3 years and the median age at diagnosis was 14 months. 55.5% were women and 44.5% were men. The mean values for weight, height, and body mass index were 35 ± 17.6 kg, 139.9 ± 28 cm, and 16.5 ± 2.9 kg/m², respectively. The clinical manifestations that occurred more frequently were steatorrhea (65.4%) and recurrent pneumonia (46.2%). Chronic airway infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in 71.4% of the cases and the p.F508del mutation was found in 47.2% of the subjects.

Conclusion

The current profile of CF patients from the Colombian Caribbean showed some concerning features, such as nutritional status; however, progress in early diagnosis and clinical follow-up could contribute to improve the general conditions of patients. It is necessary to continue efforts to increase the life expectancy and quality of life of the patients.

A Practical Approach to Identifying Pediatric Disease-Associated Undernutrition: A Position Statement from the ESPGHAN Special Interest Group on Clinical Malnutrition

ABSTRACT

Disease-associated undernutrition (DAU) is still common in hospitalized children and is generally accepted to be associated with adverse effects on disease outcomes; hence making proper identification and assessment essential in the management of the sick child. There are however several barriers to routine screening, assessment, and treatment of sick children with poor nutritional status or DAU, including limited resources, lack of nutritional awareness, and lack of agreed nutrition policies. We recommend all pediatric facilities to 1) implement procedures for identification of children with (risk of) DAU, including nutritional screening, criteria for further assessment to establish diagnosis of DAU, and follow-up, 2) assess weight and height in all children asa minimum, and 3) have the opportunity for children at risk to be assessed by a hospital dietitian. An updated descriptive definition of pediatric DAU is proposed as "Undernutrition is a condition resulting from imbalanced nutrition or abnormal utilization of nutrients which causes clinically meaningful adverse effects on tissue function and/or body size/composition with subsequent impact on health outcomes." To facilitate comparison of undernutrition data, it is advised that in addition to commonly used criteria for undernutrition such as z score < -2 for weight-for-age, weight-for-length, or body mass index <-2, an unintentional decline of >1inthese z scores over time should be considered as an indicator requiring further assessment to establish DAU diagnosis. Since the etiology of DAU is multifactorial, clinical evaluation and anthropometry should ideally be complemented by measurements of body composition, assessment of nutritional intake, requirements, and losses, and considering disease specific factors.

Pedi-R-MAPP: The development of a nutritional awareness tool for use in remote paediatric consultations using a modified Delphi consensus

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The Remote Malnutrition Application (R-MAPP) was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide support for health care professionals (HCPs) working in the community to complete remote nutritional assessments, and provide practical guidance for nutritional care. The aim of this study was to modify the R-MAPP into a version suitable for children, Pediatric Remote Malnutrition Application (Pedi-R-MAPP), and provide a structured approach to completing a nutrition focused assessment as part of a technology enabled care service (TECS) consultation.

METHODS

A ten-step process was completed: 1) permission to modify adult R-MAPP, 2) literature search to inform the Pedi-R-MAPP content, 3) Pedi-R-MAPP draft, 4) international survey of HCP practice using TECS, 5) nutrition experts invited to participate in a modified Delphi process, 6) first stakeholder meeting to agree purpose/draft of the tool, 7) round-one online survey, 8) statements with consensus removed from survey, 9) round-two online survey for statements with no consensus and 10) second stakeholder meeting with finalisation of the Pedi-R-MAPP nutrition awareness tool.

RESULTS

The international survey completed by 463 HCPs, 55% paediatricians, 38% dietitians, 7% nurses/others. When HCPs were asked to look back over the last 12 months, dietitians (n = 110) reported that 5.7 ± 10.6 out of every 10 appointments were completed in person; compared to paediatricians (n = 182) who reported 7.5 ± 7.0 out of every 10 appointments to be in person (p < 0.0001), with the remainder completed as TECS consultations. Overall, 74 articles were identified and used to develop the Pedi-R-MAPP which included colour-coded advice using a traffic light system; green, amber, red and purple. Eighteen participants agreed to participate in the Delphi consensus and completed both rounds of the modified Delphi survey. Agreement was reached at the first meeting on the purpose and draft sections of the proposed tool. In round-one of the online survey, 86% (n = 89/104) of statements reached consensus, whereas in round-two 12.5% (n = 13/104) of statements reached no consensus. At the second expert meeting, contested statements were discussed until agreement was reached and the Pedi-R-MAPP could be finalised.

CONCLUSION

The Pedi-R-MAPP nutrition awareness tool was developed using a modified Delphi consensus. This tool aims to support the technological transformation fast-tracked by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a structured approach to completing a remote nutrition focused assessment, as well as identifying the frequency of follow up along with those children who may require in-person assessment.

Risk Factors of Readmission to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Within 1 Year: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Research on pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) readmission is lacking in China. This study was conducted to describe the risk factors associated with PICU readmission within 1 year after PICU discharge.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study included patients aged from 1 month to 16 years who were discharged between January 2018 and May 2020. The case group included readmitted patients with two or more PICU admissions within 1 year during the study period. The control group included survivors with only one PICU admission during the same study period, and the controls were matched on age and sex. Demographic and clinical variables were collected from the electronic administrative database. Risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

From January 2018 to May 2020, 2,529 patients were discharged from the PICU, and 103 (4.07%) were readmitted within 1 year. In the univariate analysis, PICU readmission within 1 year was associated with lower weight, the presence of chronic conditions, a higher StrongKids score on admission, length of PICU stay of more than 2 weeks, the presence of dysfunction at discharge, sedation medications use, vasopressor use, and invasive mechanical ventilation in the first PICU stay. Patients had a higher StrongKids score as a surrogate for increased risk of malnutrition. In the multivariate analysis, the factors most significantly associated with PICU readmission within 1 year were the presence of chronic conditions, a higher StrongKids score on admission, and length of PICU stay of more than 2 weeks in the first PICU stay. In the subgroup analysis, compared with the control group, the factors most significantly associated with readmission within 48 h of discharge were the presence of chronic conditions, a higher StrongKids score on admission, and vasopressor use during the first PICU stay. The mortality rate was 8.74% (9/103) in patients with PICU readmission. The overall PICU mortality rate was 7.39% (201/2,721) during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with chronic conditions, a higher StrongKids score on admission, and length of PICU stay of more than 2 weeks were at much higher risk for PICU readmission within 1 year. Patients with vasopressor use during the first PICU hospitalization were more likely to be readmitted within 48 h of discharge.

[Evaluating malnutrition in pediatrics, a current challenge]

Malnutrition in pediatric patients conditions their health/illness. Malnutrition in sick children further aggravates their baseline situation, and conditions their evolution and prognosis. Despite its relevance, it is not evaluated in many cases, nor is there a single definition that facilitates its diagnosis. The objective of this article is to establish the principal aspects to consider when evaluating malnutrition, and to highlight the importance of routine evaluation.

METABOLIC AND NUTRITIONAL REPERCUSSIONS OF LIVER DISEASE ON CHILDREN: HOW TO MINIMIZE THEM?

Objective:

To describe the metabolic and nutritional repercussions of chronic liver disease (CLD), proposing strategies that optimize nutritional therapy in the pre- and post-liver transplantation (LT) period, in order to promote favorable clinical outcomes and adequate growth and development, respectively.

Data sources:

Bibliographic search in the PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO databases of the last 12 years, in English and Portuguese; target population: children from early childhood to adolescence; keywords in Portuguese and their correlates in English: “Liver Transplant,” “Biliary Atresia,” “Nutrition Therapy,” “Nutritional Status,” and “Child”; in addition to Boolean logics “and” and “or,” and the manual search of articles.

Data synthesis:

Malnutrition in children with CLD is a very common condition and an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality. There is an increase in energy and protein demand, as well as difficulties in the absorption of carbohydrates, lipids and micronutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins and some minerals. An increase in the supply of energy, carbohydrates and proteins and micronutrients, especially fat-soluble vitamins, iron, zinc and calcium, is suggested, except in cases of hepatic encephalopathy (this restriction is indicated for a short period).

Conclusions:

Based on metabolic changes and anthropometric and body composition monitoring, a treatment plan should be developed, following the nutritional recommendations available, in order to minimize the negative impact of malnutrition on clinical outcomes during and after LT.

Improving the rate of anthropometric measurements in the pediatric intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition occurs in approximately 25% of pediatric intensive care patients and correlates with increased length of stay, prolonged ventilation, and mortality. Anthropometric measurements should be obtained at admission and throughout hospitalization to evaluate nutrition status. We aimed to increase documentation, reporting, and discussion of anthropometric measurements, including height/length, weight, and occipital frontal circumference (OFC) within 24 hours of admission and weekly.

METHODS

A multifaceted process improvement model was implemented over 1 month. Interventions included education, recruiting nurse champions, process mapping, new equipment, and formal discussion of nutrition status during rounds. A proportions hypothesis test compared frequency of anthropometric measures obtained during each study phase: preintervention, postintervention, and sustainment.

RESULTS

In terms of admission metrics over respective study phases, the PICU had fluctuation in weights (91%, 98%, and 97%) and height (49%, 73%, and 71%) and increased rates in OFC (36%, 61%, and 65%). The cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) had stable weights (100%, 100%, and 100%) and increased rates in height (87%, 94%, and 95%) and OFC (28%, 64%, and 86%), respectively. In terms of weekly metrics over study phases, the PICU had fluctuation in weights (91%, 89%, and 93%) and increased rates in heights (38%, 69%, and 76%) and OFC (45%, 76%, and 100%). The CVICU had increased rates in weights (98%, 100%, and 100%) and fluctuations in heights (50%, 83%, and 75%), and OFC (48%, 84%, and 75%).

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions increased rates of measurements. During the sustainment phase, there was regression in rates, although these remained above baseline. Additional interventions may increase compliance and foster change in unit culture.

Measuring malnutrition and its impact on pediatric surgery outcomes: A NSQIP-P analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a limited understanding of the impact of pediatric malnutrition indicators on post-operative outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All pediatric surgical patients captured in the ACS NSQIP-Pediatric database from 2016 to 2018 were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds of 30-day post-operative infection by malnutrition definition (stunted, wasted, requiring nutritional support, pre-operative hypoalbuminemia).

RESULTS

Among pediatric surgery patients (n = 282,056), 19% of patients met one definition of malnutrition, 6% met two, 1% met 3, and <0.1% met all 4. After adjustment, requiring nutritional support (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.36-1.60), stunting (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.10-1.25), and hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.17 95% CI 1.04-1.32) were associated with increased odds of post-operative infection while wasting was not. Requiring nutritional support was associated in an increase of 10.17 days (95% CI 9.89-10.44) in time from admission to surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The metric used to define malnutrition changed the association with post-operative outcomes. Nutritional supplementation, stunting, and hypoalbuminemia were associated with poorer postoperative outcomes. These findings have implications for pre-operative patient level counseling, accurate risk stratification, surgical planning, and patient optimization in pediatric surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Nutrition Evaluation Screening Tool: An Easy to Use Screening Tool for Hospitalised Children

PURPOSE

Nutrition screening is vital to ensure patients are appropriately managed in hospital. In paediatrics there is currently no universally accepted nutrition screening tool. The Nutrition Evaluation Screening Tool (NEST) was developed as an easy to use and practical screening tool for hospitalised children. We aim to evaluate compliance of the NEST and assess agreement of the NEST with the already validated nutrition screening tools, Screening Tool for Risk on Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids), Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP) and the Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA) tool.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 102 patient episodes at the Evelina London Children's Hospital. Electronic records were used to assess NEST compliance and to complete the nutrition tools for each patient episode. Cohen's kappa was used to determine the level of agreement between each nutrition tool.

RESULTS

There was moderate agreement between the NEST and the two screening tools, STRONGkids (κ=0.472) and STAMP (κ=0.416) for patients on initial screening at admission. 87.2% of patient episodes were NEST compliant within 24 hours of admission to hospital.

CONCLUSION

The moderate agreement between these two already validated screening tools enhances the NEST's validity as a paediatric screening tool. The NEST had the strongest correlation with the SGNA tool compared to other screening tools. The NEST is user friendly screening tool for hospitalised children.

Use of standardized body composition measurements and malnutrition screening tools to detect malnutrition risk and predict clinical outcomes in children with chronic conditions

BACKGROUND

Better tools are needed to diagnose and identify children at risk of clinical malnutrition.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare body composition (BC) and malnutrition screening tools (MSTs) for detecting malnutrition on admission; and examine their ability to predict adverse clinical outcomes [increased length of stay (LOS) and complications] in complex pediatric patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective study in children 5-18 y old admitted to a tertiary pediatric hospital (n = 152). MSTs [Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS), Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP), and Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids)] were completed on admission. Weight, height, and BC [fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) by DXA] were measured (n = 118). Anthropometry/BC and MSTs were compared with each other and with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Subjects were significantly shorter with low LM compared to reference data. Depending on the diagnostic criteria used, 3%-17% were classified as malnourished. Agreement between BC/anthropometric parameters and MSTs was poor. STAMP and STRONGkids identified children with low weight, LM, and height. PYMS, and to a lesser degree STRONGkids, identified children with increased LOS, as did LM compared with weight or height. Patients with complications had lower mean ± SD LM SD scores (-1.38 ± 1.03 compared with -0.74 ± 1.40, P < 0.05). In multivariable models, PYMS high risk and low LM were independent predictors of increased LOS (OR: 3.76; 95% CI: 1.36, 10.35 and OR: 3.69; 95% CI: 1.24, 10.98, respectively). BMI did not predict increased LOS or complications.

CONCLUSIONS

LM appears better than weight and height for predicting adverse clinical outcomes in this population. BMI was a poor diagnostic parameter. MSTs performed differently in associations to BC/anthropometry and clinical outcomes. PYMS and LM provided complementary information regarding LOS. Studies on specific patient populations may further clarify the use of these tools and measurements.

Assessing the Effect of Nutrition Therapy on Rehospitalization Rate in Malnourished Pediatric Patients With Chronic Diseases

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is common among hospitalized children with chronic diseases and increases hospital care needs. The aim of this study is to estimate the clinical consequences of nutrition therapy (NT) after discharge.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all pediatric inpatients with diagnosis of malnutrition hospitalized at our center from January 2017 to February 2018 was conducted. Malnutrition was assessed according to body mass index (BMI) z-score, routinely recorded in patient's files. The treatment group consists of all patients referred to nutrition assessment and treated by the clinical nutrition team; all the other patients not receiving NT are selected as the control group. The effect of NT on rehospitalization rates, length of stay (LOS), and emergency room (ER) visits was estimated for the total cohort and in a propensity score (PS) matched sample.

RESULTS

277 malnourished pediatric inpatients were enrolled and analyzed. NT was prescribed in 111 patients (40%). Rehospitalization rate was lower in the treated group (rate ratio [RR] = 0.797; 95% CI, 0.630-1.009); particularly, nonelective hospital admissions are considerably lower (RR = 0.556; 95% CI, 0.325-0.952). The strength of this association increased in the PS-matched sample. There is no clear evidence of NT's effect on ER visits (RR = 0.892; 95% CI, 0.580-1.373) or LOS per episode (Δ = 1.46 days; 95% CI, -3.39 to 6.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Detecting and treating malnutrition seems to promptly improve the patients' clinical course after discharge, reducing the number of subsequent hospitalizations, particularly nonelective ones, probably caused by unresolved, ongoing malnutrition.

Nutrition Risk Assessed by STRONGkids Predicts Longer Hospital Stay in a Pediatric Cohort: A Survival Analysis

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the impact of Screening Tool for Risk on Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids) classification in time to discharge and verify whether the nutrition risk assessed by this method is an independent predictor of hospital length of stay (LOS) in pediatric inpatients.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted in a Brazilian hospital from February 2014 to July 2018. The outcome in the survivor analysis was hospital discharge. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the cumulative survival time according to STRONGkids categories. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fitted, and the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), with respective 95% CI, was used to measure the strength of association. The discriminatory ability of STRONGkids was verified by a receiver operating characteristic curve RESULTS: A total 641 patients were included in the study: 54.9% males, median age of 2.8 years. The frequencies of low, moderate, and high nutrition risk were 15.6%, 63.7%, and 20.7%, respectively. The mean LOS was 5.9 days. Survival curves differed significantly according to nutrition-risk categories. Patients classified as high risk had a 52% less chance of hospital discharge when compared with low-risk patients (aHR: 0.48; 95% CI, 0.35-0.65). STRONGkids score ≥ 3 showed the best discriminatory power to identify LOS. From this score, there was a significant increase in the days of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

The nutrition risk assessed by STRONGkids independently predicts LOS in pediatric patients. For this outcome, patients with 3 points (moderate risk) should be treated with the same priority as those with high risk.

Nationwide "Pediatric Nutrition Day" survey on the nutritional status of hospitalized children in South Korea

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the nutritional status and prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized children at admission and during hospitalization in South Korea.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This first cross-sectional nationwide “Pediatric Nutrition Day (pNday)” survey was conducted among 872 hospitalized children (504 boys, 368 girls; 686 medical, 186 surgical) from 23 hospitals in South Korea. Malnutrition risk was screened using the Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS) and the Screening Tool Risk on Nutritional status and Growth. Nutritional status was assessed by z-scores of weight-for-age for underweight, weight-for-height for wasting, and height-for-age for stunting as well as laboratory tests.

RESULTS

At admission, of the 872 hospitalized children, 17.2% were underweight, and the prevalence of wasting and stunting was 20.2% and 17.3%, respectively. During hospitalization till pNday, 10.8% and 19.6% experienced weight loss and decreased oral intake, respectively. During the aforementioned period, fasting was more prevalent in surgical patients (7.5%) than in medical patients (1.6%) (P < 0.001). According to the PYMS, 34.3% and 30% of the children at admission and on pNday, respectively, had a high-risk of malnutrition, requiring consultation with the nutritional support team (NST). However, only 4% were actually referred to the NST during hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition was prevalent at admission and during hospitalization in pediatric patients, with many children experiencing weight loss and poor oral intake. To improve the nutritional status of hospitalized children, it is important to screen and identify all children at risk of malnutrition and refer malnourished patients to the multidisciplinary NST for proper nutritional interventions.

Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP) in the Electronic Health Record: A Validation Study

BACKGROUND

The impact of malnutrition on pediatric patients in the acute care setting is significant. Hospitalized patients with malnutrition have been shown to have poor clinical outcomes. Nutrition screening is the first critical step in identifying and treating malnutrition. Although several pediatric nutrition screening tools exist, none incorporate both electronic health record (EHR) compatibility and the recommended indicators of pediatric malnutrition, a gap recently identified in a systematic review by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The aim of this study was to prove the validity of a new version of Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP), EHR-STAMP, modified for incorporation into the EHR and inclusion of updated pediatric malnutrition indicators.

METHODS

An interprofessional team modified the existing STAMP for integration into the EHR. Audits were performed by the research dietitian to assess accuracy and provide feedback for continuous improvement of the tool design.

RESULTS

A total of 3553 pediatric inpatients were studied from August 2017 to May 2019. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity improved with each modification to the EHR-STAMP. The final version of the EHR-STAMP found 85% accuracy, 89% sensitivity, and 97% specificity, with a positive predictive value of 60% and a negative predictive value of 94%.

CONCLUSION

The EHR-STAMP is a highly reliable tool in the screening of nutrition risk for pediatric hospitalized patients. The tool is easy to use, EHR compatible, and incorporates the current indicators recommended for assessing pediatric malnutrition.

Statistical Risk Characteristics and Risk Scoring of Hospital-Acquired Malnutrition for Pediatric Patients

Background

Malnutrition is a global health problem and challenge for every country. It may occur in any form and affect all levels of age including children. We pay particular attention to the so-called hospital-acquired malnutrition (HaM) for pediatric patients. Our aim was to explore statistical risk factors or characteristics as well as to forecast risk scoring for such malnutrition.

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional design involving children from 1 month to 18 years of age who were hospitalized for at least 72 hours. We used secondary data from 308 medical records of pediatric patients who were admitted to the hospital in 2017. We excluded the data if the patient had tumors or organomegaly, fluid retention, and dehydration. HaM was determined based on a weight loss each day during hospitalization until the day of discharge. Statistical data analysis is carried out for both descriptive and inferential statistics. Our predictive model is yielded by linear regression, and risk scoring is obtained through logistic regression.

Results

The findings showed several risk factors or characteristics for HaM prevalence: sex, age, medical diagnosis, diet, nutrition route, and NEWS score. The early warning system to pediatric patients is conducted by calculating malnutrition-at-risk in which a value beyond 100.5 is considered as having high potential risk for HaM.

Conclusion

Nurses are expected to monitor pediatric patients' condition, including measuring the anthropometry regularly, in order to identify the initial signs of HaM.

Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Children With Excess Weight: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Because of its high prevalence and negative impact on quality of life and longevity, overweight in childhood and adolescence is a major public health concern. The objective of the present study was to determine whether excess weight is associated with clinical outcomes in critically ill children and adolescents admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

METHOD

This retrospective cohort study was performed with children and adolescents admitted to a PICU over 3 years. Nutrition status was classified based on the body mass index z-score for age, following World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The following outcomes were assessed: mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, length of admission, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

RESULTS

Of 1468 patients admitted during the study period, 1407 were included in the study: 956 (68.0%) had adequate weight, 228 (16.2%) were overweight, and 223 (15.8%) were underweight. Associations were detected between most variables and all nutrition categories (underweight, adequate weight, and overweight). In the descriptive analysis, mortality was more prevalent in nutrition status extremes (extremely underweight or overweight). An independent association between nutrition status and mortality was not detected in any category.

CONCLUSION

Nutrition status was not independently associated with poor outcomes. However, overweight should be considered a potential risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in PICU admissions.

STRONGkids validation: tool accuracy

OBJECTIVE

Validate the accuracy of the Screening Tool for Risk on Nutritional status and Growth (STRONGkids) and estimate the prevalence of malnutrition and nutritional risk in hospitalized children.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of children admitted to ten public pediatric emergency rooms. The sample was randomly estimated in stages, including children older than 30 days and younger than 10 years of age, of both sexes, excluding syndromic children and those in whom it was impossible to directly measure anthropometry. Weight, height, and arm circumference were measured, as well as the Z-scores of the anthropometric indices weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height, body mass index for age, and arm circumference for age, classified according to the reference curves of the World Health Organization. After the tool was applied, its accuracy tests were performed in comparison with the anthropometric data, with the evaluation of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.

RESULTS

A total of 271 children were evaluated, 56.46% males and 41.70% younger than 2 years of age. The prevalence rates of malnutrition, nutritional risk assessed by anthropometric measurements, and nutritional risk assessed by the tool were 12.18%, 33.95%, and 78.60%, respectively. Accuracy showed sensitivity of 84.8%, specificity of 26.7%, positive predictive value of 49.8%, and negative predictive value of 67.2%, when the patients at nutritional risk were identified by anthropometry.

CONCLUSION

Validation of the accuracy of STRONGkids was performed, showing high sensitivity, allowing the early identification of nutritional risk in similar populations.

Usefulness of the StrongKids Screening Tool in Detecting Anemia and Inflammation in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients

Objective: To assess whether the nutritional risk classified by StrongKids is associated with anemia and inflammation (total leukocytes and C-reactive protein (CRP)), as well as to compare the ability of StrongKids with anthropometry in identifying these changes in hospitalized pediatric patients.Methods: Cross-sectional study with patients admitted to the pediatric ward of a public hospital in Brazil, from 2014 to 2018. The experimental protocol included: nutritional risk screening by StrongKids; weight and height measurements; and biochemical tests (complete blood count and C-reactive protein - CRP). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated to assess the ability of StrongKids and anthropometry to identify patients with the biochemical changes.Results: The study included 482 patients (54.2% male), with a median age of 2.7 years. The frequency of nutritional risk (medium or high) was 85.9% and the prevalence of malnutrition (acute and/or chronic) was 20.2%. Overall, of the patients evaluated, 40.2% had anemia, 28.2% leukocytosis, and 78.0% high CRP. Children and adolescents classified as at nutritional risk (moderate/high) had lower levels of hemoglobin and higher levels of CRP and total leukocytes, as well as a higher frequency of leukocytosis, high CRP and the three alterations combined when compared with individuals at low risk. No association was found between anthropometric variables and biochemical alterations. The sensitivity of nutritional screening was high to detect all biochemical alterations and was superior to the anthropometric assessment.Conclusion: StrongKids was associated with alterations in biochemical parameters with a better performance than anthropometry.

Oesophageal atresia: The growth gap

Poor growth is an under-recognised yet significant long-term sequelae of oesophageal atresia (OA) repair. Few studies have specifically explored the reasons for growth impairment in this complex cohort. The association between poor growth with younger age and fundoplication appears to have the strongest supportive evidence, highlighting the need for early involvement of a dietitian and speech pathologist, and consideration of optimal medical reflux management prior to referring for anti-reflux surgery. However, it remains difficult to reach conclusions regarding other factors which may negatively influence growth, due to conflicting findings, inconsistent definitions and lack of validated tool utilisation. While swallowing and feeding difficulties are particularly frequent in younger children, their relationship with growth remains unclear. It is possible that these morbidities impact on the diet of children with OA, but detailed analysis of dietary composition and quality, and its relationship with these complications and growth, has not yet been conducted. Another potential area of research in OA is the role of the microbiota in growth and nutrition. While the microbiota has been linked to growth impairment in other paediatric conditions, it is yet to be investigated in OA. Further research is needed to identify the most important contributory factors to poor growth, the role of the intestinal microbiota, and effective interventions to maximise growth and nutritional outcomes in this cohort.

[Factors related to the presence of hospital malnutrition in patients under five years old in a third level unit]

Introduction

Objective: to identify the factors related to the presence of hospital malnutrition (HM) in patients under five years of age hospitalized in a third level care unit. Material and methods: cohort study. Patients under five years of age hospitalized were included. The record identified age, sex, pathological history, reason for admission and nutritional status by calculating weight/age (W/A), height/age (H/A) and weight/height (W/H). The entire somatometry intake process was performed upon admission, and was repeated on days 2, 4 and 7 of follow-up. The HM was defined as a decrease of more than 0.25 standard deviations in the W/H after seven days of hospitalization. Results: eighty-three patients were identified. The reason for admission was non-surgical pathology in 77% (n = 64). Seventy per cent (n = 58) had underlying disease. At the time of admission, 66% (n = 55) presented malnutrition. A progressive decrease in the Z score of W/H was observed as hospitalization progressed (p < 0.001). An incidence of 67.5% of HM was identified. It was shown that the presence of malnutrition at admission of hospitalization increased the risk of HM (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.05 to 8.10, p = 0.03). In patients with malnutrition from admission, an age younger than two years decreased the risk of HM (OR 0.093, 95% CI 0.009 to 0.959, p = 0.046), while the underlying disease increased the risk (OR 6.34, 95% CI 1.009 to 39.89, p = 0.049). Conclusions: the presence of malnutrition and underlying disease prior to admission were risk factors to present HM.

Malnutrition and medical nutrition therapy in hospitalized children: a case study of using national malnutrition screening tools in northeastern Iran

Background

Nationwide studies have focused only on prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized children, while medical nutrition therapies and assessing nutritional interventions is neglected.

Methods

This research was conducted in tertiary level children hospitals in the NorthEastern region of Iran for 1 year from 2016 to 2017. Five questions were included in the initial assessment form and, if there was even one positive response, nutritional interventions were prescribed for the patients.

Results

A total of 65 children aged ≥ 5 years and hospitalized for ≥ two days were included. 24.6% of patients had 2 >BMI Z-score>-2 at time of admission. At the beginning of the study, weight loss more than 10%, and appetite loss or decreased food intake was observed in 10.8% and 20% of the study population, respectively. Median BMI percentile of patients with nutritional intervention was 8.9 (0.1–98.7) at the beginning of the study and 12.7 (0.1–98.4) at discharge time which shows a significant difference (P=0.01).

Conclusion

Medical nutrition therapy employed in this study prevented deterioration of nutritional status of children during hospitalization and was effective in stabilizing indices of nutritional status.

Prevalence and outcome of malnutrition in pediatric patients with chronic diseases: Focus on the settings of care

BACKGROUND

Information on disease-related malnutrition and related outcomes in pediatric patients with chronic diseases in different settings of care is not available.

METHODS

Consecutive eligible patients attending the out-patient clinic (n = 177) or admitted to the day-hospital clinic (n = 163) or to hospital (n = 201) were screened for the presence of malnutrition (BMI and/or height/length for age z-scores < -2). We recorded data on emergency care admissions to hospital that occurred during the 3 years before screening and related total days of stay, as well as data on emergency care admissions to hospital occurring within 6 months after screening.

RESULTS

Prevalence of malnutrition was 2-fold higher (P < 0.001) in in-patients (56.7% [95% CI, 49.6-63.7]) than in patients assessed at the out-patient (33.3% [95% CI, 26.4-40.8]) and day-hospital (28.3% [95% CI, 21.5-35.8]) clinics. Estimates were heterogeneous across diagnostic groups with higher rates in patients with neurologic (61%) and cardiac (56%) diseases. Stunting was more frequent among in-patients, who also had more evident nutritional derangements. Multivariate logistic regression (covariates: age, gender, healthcare setting and disease group), showed that malnutrition (OR = 1.86 [95% CI, 1.21-2.88]; P = 0.005) was significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization (≥15 days) in the 3 years before screening. In-patients were also more likely to have been hospitalized ≥15 days (using out-patients as reference category, OR = 2.24 [95% CI, 1.39-3.63], P = 0.001), but we did not find any modifying effect (interaction) of the setting of care on the association between malnutrition and prolonged hospitalization.

DISCUSSION

The rates of malnutrition in children with chronic diseases are very high and increase hospital care needs, especially when they are admitted to hospital. Nutritional care in this patient population is recommended.

The development of a consensus-based nutritional pathway for infants with CHD before surgery using a modified Delphi process

IntroductionDespite improvements in the medical and surgical management of infants with CHD, growth failure before surgery in many infants continues to be a significant concern. A nutritional pathway was developed, the aim of which was to provide a structured approach to nutritional care for infants with CHD awaiting surgery.Materials and methodsThe modified Delphi process was development of a nutritional pathway; initial stakeholder meeting to finalise draft guidelines and develop questions; round 1 anonymous online survey; round 2 online survey; regional cardiac conference and pathway revision; and final expert meeting and pathway finalisation.

RESULTS

Paediatric Dietitians from all 11 of the paediatric cardiology surgical centres in the United Kingdom contributed to the guideline development. In all, 33% of participants had 9 or more years of experience working with infants with CHD. By the end of rounds 1 and 2, 76 and 96% of participants, respectively, were in agreement with the statements. Three statements where consensus was not achieved by the end of round 2 were discussed and agreed at the final expert group meeting.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutrition guidelines were developed for infants with CHD awaiting surgery, using a modified Delphi process, incorporating the best available evidence and expert opinion with regard to nutritional support in this group.

Screening tools for paediatric malnutrition: are we there yet?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The development of nutritional screening tools has done much to raise the profile of nutrition and encourage healthcare practitioners to consider how to identify children at nutritional risk. However, the next challenge is to ensure nutritional screening accurately identifies those who have immediate and ongoing risk and therefore the potential to impact on it.

RECENT FINDINGS

In this article, we review recent evidence which suggests that the large-scale use of these tools outside of a research setting is not always helpful. Most are highly sensitive but not particularly specific and therefore cases may be 'overdiagnosed' but also missed. It may therefore be time for nutritional screening to evolve into a process which is able to better consider the cause of risk and requirements for nutrition support with referral criteria, defined goals and outcome measures and exit criteria using a 'measure, plot, think, act' approach embedded into physician rounds. Key challenges relate to improving compliance around nutritional screening within the hospital setting and comparison of nutrition risk between centres, as well as an understanding of the barriers which prevent nutritional screening and assessment from occurring.

SUMMARY

It remains to be elucidated as to whether returning to a process which embeds nutritional assessment within the medical review rather than relying on a 'nutrition score' from a screening tool is a more effective way in which to identifying those patients that are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition during their hospital stay.

The Effect of Malnutrition on the Risk of Unplanned 7-Day Readmission in Pediatrics

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is known to be associated with higher morbidity and a risk factor of readmissions in the adult population. In this study, we explore the effect of malnutrition in pediatrics because it may differ from the adult population.

METHODS

Data for all inpatient encounters at a tertiary children's hospital within a 2-year period corresponding to 19 702 visits were obtained. The data included demographics, socioeconomic status, registered dietitian diagnosis of malnutrition, and variables of the LACE readmission model. We excluded all neonates and patients older than 21 years. A multivariable logistic model was obtained by implementing best subset regression on these variables, controlling for demographics and socioeconomic status, and considering all possible 2-way statistical interactions between malnutrition and the variables for demographics and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

We discovered a statistical interaction effect between a patient's age and malnutrition status (P value = .002) with respect to odds of unplanned 7-day readmission. It is indicated in this interaction term that patients who were malnourished had higher odds of readmission than patients who were not malnourished. Furthermore, younger patients who were malnourished were at increased odds of readmission than their older peers, whereas among patients who were not malnourished, younger patients were at reduced odds of readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

The statistical interaction effect revealed that a patient's risk of readmission is jointly modified by the patient's age and malnutrition status. This finding advances our understanding of the complex picture of the simultaneous risk factor of unplanned 7-day readmissions in pediatrics.

Faltering growth in the critically ill child: prevalence, risk factors, and impaired outcome

Low body mass index (BMI) z score is commonly used to define undernutrition, but faltering growth allows for a complementary dynamic assessment of nutritional status. We studied the prevalence of undernutrition and faltering growth at admission in the pediatric intensive care (PICU) setting and their impacts on outcome. All (685) consecutive children (aged 0 to 18 years old) admitted in a single-center PICU over a 1-year period were prospectively enrolled. Nutritional status assessment was based on anthropometric measurements performed at admission and collected from medical files. Undernutrition was considered when z score BMI for age was < - 2SD. Faltering growth was considered when the weight for age curve presented a deceleration of > - 1 z score in the previous 3 months. Undernutrition was diagnosed in 13% of children enrolled, and faltering growth in 13.7% mostly in children with a normal BMI. Faltering growth was significantly associated with a history of underlying chronic disease, and independently with extended length of PICU stay in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of nutritional status in critically ill children should include both undernutrition and faltering growth. This study highlights that faltering growth is independently associated with suboptimal outcome in PICU. What is Known: • Malnutrition, defined according to BMI-for-age z score, is correlated with poor outcome in the critically ill child. • In this setting, nutritional assessment should consist not only of a static assessment based on BMI-for-age z score but also of a dynamic assessment to identify recent faltering growth. What is New: • Critically ill children frequently present with faltering growth at admission. • Faltering growth is a newly identified independent associated factor of suboptimal outcome in this setting (extended length of stay).

The prevalence of undernutrition upon hospitalization in children in a developing country: A single hospital study from Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Undernourished children who require hospital care have a longer duration of hospitalization and respond poorly to modern medical therapy. The objective of the present study was to ascertain the nutritional status of children admitted to a pediatric tertiary center in Malaysia and the risk factors leading to undernutrition upon admission.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional, hospital-based study, anthropometric measurements [weight, length/height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness were performed in 285 children aged from 3 months to 15 years who were admitted to University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur in November 2013. Acute (wasting) and chronic (stunting) undernutrition were defined as weight-for-height (WFH) and height-for-age (HFA) < -2 standard deviation (S.D.), respectively. Underweight was defined as weight-for-age < -2 S.D. For children aged between 1 and 5 years of age, World Health Organization definition for acute undernutrition (HFA < -2 S.D. and/or MUAC < 12.5 cm) was also noted.

RESULTS

Upon admission, the prevalence rates of acute and chronic undernutrition were 11% (n = 32) and 14% (n = 41), respectively. In addition, 7% (n = 21) had an MUAC of < 12.5 cm, 15% had body-mass index < -2 S.D., and 7% (n = 21) had triceps skinfold thickness < -2 S.D., while 17% (n = 47) were underweight. Using the World Health Organization definition of acute undernutrition, an additional eight patients were noted to have acute undernutrition (n = 40, 14%). No significant risk factors associated with undernutrition were identified.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of undernutrition among children admitted to a tertiary hospital in Malaysia was 14%. Strategies for systematic screening and provision of nutritional support in children at risk of undernutrition as well as treatment of undernutrition in children requiring hospitalization are needed.

Nutritional Status Based on Body Mass Index Is Associated With Morbidity and Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Children in the PICU

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of admission anthropometry on clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated children in the PICU.

DESIGN

Data from two multicenter cohort studies were compiled to examine the unique contribution of nutritional status, defined by body mass index z score, to 60-day mortality, hospital-acquired infections, length of hospital stay, and ventilator-free days, using multivariate analysis.

SETTING

Ninety PICUs from 16 countries with eight or more beds.

PATIENTS

Children aged 1 month to 18 years, admitted to each participating PICU and requiring mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Data from 1,622 eligible patients, 54.8% men and mean (SD) age 4.5 years (5.1), were analyzed. Subjects were classified as underweight (17.9%), normal weight (54.2%), overweight (14.5%), and obese (13.4%) based on body mass index z score at admission. After adjusting for severity of illness and site, the odds of 60-day mortality were higher in underweight (odds ratio, 1.53; p < 0.001) children. The odds of hospital-acquired infections were higher in underweight (odds ratio, 1.88; p = 0.008) and obese (odds ratio, 1.64; p < 0.001) children. Hazard ratios for hospital discharge were lower among underweight (hazard ratio, 0.71; p < 0.001) and obese (hazard ratio, 0.82; p = 0.04) children. Underweight was associated with 1.3 (p = 0.001) and 1.6 (p < 0.001) fewer ventilator-free days than normal weight and overweight, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition is prevalent in mechanically ventilated children on admission to PICUs worldwide. Classification as underweight or obese was associated with higher risk of hospital-acquired infections and lower likelihood of hospital discharge. Underweight children had a higher risk of mortality and fewer ventilator-free days.

Handgrip Strength and Malnutrition (Undernutrition) in Hospitalized Versus Nonhospitalized Children Aged 6-14 Years

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing undernutrition in hospitalized pediatric populations is crucial to provide timely nutrition interventions. Handgrip strength (HGS), a measurement of muscle function, is a reliable indicator of undernutrition. However, limited research exists on HGS in hospitalized pediatric patients. The primary aim of this study was to determine if HGS differed between hospitalized children within 48 hours of admission and nonhospitalized children. A secondary purpose was to describe the association of HGS with height, weight, body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), activity level, disease severity, nutrition risk, and nutrition intervention.

METHODS

One hundred nine hospitalized and 110 nonhospitalized patients aged 6-14 years participated in this cross-sectional nonequivalent control group design study. Weight, height, MUAC, and HGS were measured within 48 hours of hospital admission for the hospitalized group or immediately following a well-child visit for the control group.

RESULTS

Based on analysis of covariance, the HGS was estimated to be 12.4 ± 0.37 kgF (mean ± SE) for hospitalized subjects and 13.1 ± 0.37 for nonhospitalized subjects ( P = .2053). HGS was associated with age ( P < .0001), height ( P < .0001), dominant hand ( P < .0001), and MUAC z scores ( P = .0462).

CONCLUSION

HGS was not significantly different between hospitalized and nonhospitalized participants, although anthropometric measurements were similar between groups. A strong relationship was demonstrated between HGS and BMI and MUAC z scores. Further research is needed that examines serial HGS measurements, feasibility in hospitalized patients, and the association of HGS measurements and nutrition risk.

Beneficial Effects of Omega-3 Supplement to the Enteral Feeding in Children With Mild to Moderate Sepsis

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate the benefits of supplementing enteral feeding with omega-3 fatty acids in children with mild to moderate sepsis and its effects on acute-phase reactants and interleukin 6 (IL-6) level.

METHODS

The study was a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study from January 2012 to June 2014, which included 2 groups of children with mild to moderate sepsis tolerating enteral feeding. Group A included 60 children supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, whereas group B included 60 children who received enteral feeding without omega-3 supplementation. Both groups had complete blood pictures, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum albumin, and IL-6 before and after 7 days from supplementation.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in hemoglobin percentage ( P < .0001), total white blood cell (WBC) count ( P < .0001), and platelet count ( P < .0001) and significant decrease in CRP ( P < .0001), ESR ( P < .0001), IL-6 ( P < .0001), and albumin level ( P < .001) in the supplemented group than the nonsupplemented group. The supplemented group also had a significantly shorter duration of stay in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU; P < .01) and decreased death rate than the nonsupplemented group.

CONCLUSION

Children with mild to moderate sepsis showed significant improvement in inflammatory markers and had shorter PICU admission when enteral feeding was supplemented with omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Reproducibility and Inter-rater Reliability of 2 Paediatric Nutritional Screening Tools

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to assess reproducibility and inter-rater reliability of 2 nutritional screening tools (NST): Screening Tool for Risk on Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids) and Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP).

METHODS

Prospective observational multicentre study. Patients ages 1 month or older admitted to paediatric or surgical wards were tested within 24 hours of admission by 2 independent observers: experts specialized in paediatric nutrition (physicians or dieticians) and clinical staff nonexpert in nutrition. Diagnosis on admission, underlying diseases, and length of stay were registered.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Kappa index (κ) to evaluate agreement between observers.

RESULTS

A total of 223 patients were included (53.4% boys), with mean age of 5.59 (95% confidence interval 4.94-6.22) years. Experts classified 9.9% of patients at high risk with STRONGkids and 19.7% using STAMP, whereas nonexpert staff assigned 6.7% of patients to the high-risk category with STRONGkids and 21.9% with STAMP. Agreement between expert and nonexpert staff was good: 94.78% for STRONGkids (κ 0.72 [P < 0.001]); 92.55% for STAMP (κ 0.74 [P < 0.001]). The rate of malnutrition was significantly higher among high-risk patients with both NST, independent of examiner experience. After adjusting for age, both STRONGkids and STAMP high-risk scores predicted longer length of stay, whether assessed by experts or nonexperts, although differences were higher with STRONGkids.

CONCLUSIONS

Agreement between experts and nonexpert staff in nutrition was good, producing a similar high-risk patient profile. Our results demonstrate that these NSTs are appropriate for nutritional screening in settings in which users have no previous experience in the field.

The Effect of Nutritional Status on Outcome of Hospitalization in Paediatric Liver Disease Patients

INTRODUCTION

Liver is an important organ for metabolism. It has a major role in integrating the various biochemical pathways of metabolism. Thus, children with chronic liver disease are at high risk for developing undernutrition, with important prognostic implications.

AIM

To evaluate the nutritional status of hospitalized paediatric liver disease patients and its effect on outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively analysed the nutritional status of 59 consecutive patients during their first 24 hours of admission, at the Hepatology Unit, using the following indices: weight/age, height/age, weight/height, Body Mass Index (BMI), arm circumference and triceps skinfold, subcapular skinfold, and mid upper arm circumference.

RESULTS

According to the measurements: 35.6% were underweight, 49% were stunted, 10% were wasted by weight for length/height percentile and 5% were wasted by body mass index, 49% had percentage of ideal body weight below normal, 27% had head circumference below 3rd percentile, 59.4% had triceps skinfold thickness below 5th percentile, 66% had subscapular skinfold thickness below 5th percentile; 56% had arm circumference below 5th percentile. There was no correlation between these growth parameters and mortality. However, we found a positive correlation between decreased triceps skinfold thickness and prolonged hospital stay. Malnourished patients, according to triceps skinfold thickness, were significantly younger and they were the ones who suffered from cholestatic disorders of infancy.

CONCLUSION

Only triceps skinfold thickness was found to be a useful predictor for a prolonged hospital stay. Serial measurements may be more effective.

[Nutritional assessment in hospitalized children in a Paediatric service]

INTRODUCTION

Malnutrition in hospitalized children is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the nutritional status in children admitted to the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica de Chile.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on hospital patients less than 17 years old within the period from November 2010 to April 2011. A record was made of the demographic data, admission diagnosis, biochemistry results (albumin, haemoglobin, haematocrit), hospital stay, and anthropometry data. Nutritional diagnosis was expressed as standard deviation (SD) for weight-for-height (WFH) by WHO in children younger than 5 y, and body mass index (BMI) by CDC-NCHS in older children. Height-for-age (HFA) ≤-2SD indicated stunted growth.

RESULTS

A total of 365 children, including 201 boys (55.1%), were evaluated. The median age was 3.35 years (IQR: 1.2-8.2). The most frequent reason for admission was heart disease (30.4%). The median hospital stay was 2 days (IQR: 2.0-4.0). Undernutrition was observed in 3.3% of the children, 8% were nutritionally at risk, 15% were overweight, and 10.9% were obese. As regards HFA, short stature was reported in 12.9%. There was a significant relationship between lower age and heart disease, and higher age with gastrointestinal and neurological diseases. By ordinal logistic regression for each year of age, the weight/height ratio (ZP/T) increases by 6.9% (OR=1.07). The biochemistry results (albumin, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels) were not associated with nutritional status.

CONCLUSIONS

A high percentage of children at risk of undernutrition was found. The percentage overweight was similar to the general Chilean paediatric population. Early detection will allow an opportune intervention, and nutritional monitoring at discharge.