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Padhani ZA, Cichon B, Das JK, Salam RA, Stobaugh HC, Mughal M, Rutishauser-Perera A, Black RE, Bhutta ZA. Systematic Review of Management of Moderate Wasting in Children over 6 Months of Age. Nutrients 2023; 15:3781. [PMID: 37686813 PMCID: PMC10490450 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The effective management of the 33 million children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is key to reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. In this review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of specially formulated foods (SFFs) compared to non-food-based approaches to manage MAM in children >6 months old. We conducted a search on ten databases until 23 August 2021 and included five studies, covering 3387 participants. Meta-analysis of four studies comparing SFFs to counselling or standard of care showed that SFFs likely increase recovery rate, reduce non-response, and may improve weight-for-height z-score, weight-for-age z-score and time to recovery, but have little or no effect on MUAC gain. One study on a multicomponent intervention (SFFs, antibiotics and counselling provided to high-risk MAM) compared to counselling only was reported narratively. The intervention may increase weight gain after 24 weeks but may have little or no effect on weight gain after 12 weeks and on non-response and mortality after 12 and 24 weeks of enrollment. The effect of this intervention on recovery was uncertain. In conclusion, SFFs may be beneficial for children with moderate wasting in humanitarian contexts. Programmatic recommendations should consider context and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra A. Padhani
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan; (J.K.D.); or (Z.A.B.)
| | | | - Jai K. Das
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan; (J.K.D.); or (Z.A.B.)
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Rehana A. Salam
- Centre of Research Excellence, Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Heather C. Stobaugh
- Action against Hunger USA, Technical Services and Innovation Department, Washington, DC 20463, USA;
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Muzna Mughal
- Action against Hunger UK, London SE10 0ER, UK; (M.M.); (A.R.-P.)
| | | | - Robert E. Black
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan; (J.K.D.); or (Z.A.B.)
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
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Bai G, Parkash A, Kumar V, Das K, Akhtar U, . A. Effectiveness of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food Among Children With Protein-Calorie Malnutrition
. Cureus 2022; 14:e25872. [PMID: 35876746 PMCID: PMC9292467 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malnutrition develops when there is an inadequacy of one or more than one macronutrient for optimum body functioning. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) in children with protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) in terms of weight gain and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) improvement. Methodology This prospective observational study was done at The Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021. A total of 159 children of either gender between six and 59 months of age and diagnosed with PCM were included. All children participating in the study were asked to come back for a follow-up every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old. Outcomes were measured in terms of comparison of weight gain and MUAC at baseline and after 12 weeks of RUTF. Results Of the 159 children, 94 (59.1%) were female. The mean age was 16.8±9.2 months, and 88 (55.3%) children were aged between six to 12 months. The mean body weight was 6.8±9.7 kg. The mean MUAC was calculated to be 116±9.1 mm. There were 121 (76.1%) children who had severe acute malnutrition. One hundred and thirty-one children completed the planned 12-week of follow-up using RUTF in this study, so they were included in the final analysis. Body weight increased significantly from baseline to 12-weeks after RUTF (6.8±1.7 kg vs. 7.6±1.2kg, p<0.0001). Likewise, MUAC also increased from baseline to 12 weeks after RUTF (116.0±9.1 mm vs. 127.2±8.2 mm, p<0.0001). Conclusion The RUTF was found to significantly improve weight gain and MUAC among children aged between six to 60 months with PCM during a period of 12-weeks. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can improve outcomes among children with PCM. Community-based interventions can be aimed to improve the nutritional status of children in a developing country like Pakistan.
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Azimi F, Esmaillzadeh A, Alipoor E, Moslemi M, Yaseri M, Hosseinzadeh-Attar MJ. Effect of a newly developed ready-to-use supplementary food on growth indicators in children with mild to moderate malnutrition. Public Health 2020; 185:290-297. [PMID: 32712460 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of death among children younger than five years. In this study, we aimed to formulate a ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF), based on local food products, and investigate its efficacy on growth indicators in children with mild to moderate malnutrition. STUDY DESIGN This is a randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS This study was performed in six health centers in Shahr-e-Rey, Tehran, Iran, between April and October 2017. One hundred children, aged 24-59 months, with mild to moderate malnutrition (weight-for-height Z-score [WHZ] between -3 and -1) were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either 1-3 sachets of RUSF or normal diet for 8 weeks. All mothers and caregivers received nutrition education. Growth indicators including weight and height, WHZ, and body mass index (BMI), along with clinical outcomes, were assessed. RESULTS Children who received RUSF had a significant increase in weight (1.44 ± 0.38 vs 0.7 ± 0.32 kg, respectively, P < 0.001), and BMI (1.2 ± 0.47 vs 0.35 ± 0.33 kg/m2, respectively, P < 0.001) compared with the control group. There was a greater daily weight gain during the first 4 weeks (P < 0.001) and throughout the study (P = 0.013) in the RUSF group. Daily height gain was considerably higher in the RUSF group during the first 4 weeks (P = 0.027). Children in the RUSF group had more improvement in WHZ (1.18 ± 0.41 vs 0.41 ± 0.31, P < 0.001) after supplementation. Besides, 92% of the RUSF and 12% of the control group reached to WHZ > -1 at the end of the study (P < 0.001). There was lower prevalence of diarrhea (12% vs 28.6%, respectively, P = 0.01) and marginally lower fever (16% vs 36.7%, respectively, P = 0.05) in the intervention than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS A newly developed RUSF improved growth indicators and clinical outcomes in children with mild to moderate malnutrition. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER IRCT2017021315536N6 (registered at www.irct.ir).
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Affiliation(s)
- F Azimi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Esmaillzadeh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Alipoor
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Moslemi
- Food and Drug Laboratories Research Center, Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Yaseri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M J Hosseinzadeh-Attar
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center (CPPRC), Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Das JK, Salam RA, Saeed M, Kazmi FA, Bhutta ZA. Effectiveness of interventions to manage acute malnutrition in children under 5 years of age in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2020; 16:e1082. [PMID: 37131422 PMCID: PMC8356333 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Childhood malnutrition is a major public health concern as it is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. Objectives To comprehensively review the evidence for the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) according to the current World Health Organization protocol using facility- and community-based approaches as well as the effectiveness of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF), prophylactic antibiotic use and vitamin A supplementation. Search methods We searched relevant electronic databases till 11 February 2019. No date or language restrictions were applied. Selection criteria We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies including controlled before-after (CBA) studies and interrupted time series (ITS) studies. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently screened studies for relevance, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and rated the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We carried out statistical analysis using Review Manager software and set out the main findings of the review in "Summary of findings" tables. Main results This review summarises findings from a total of 42 studies (48 papers) including 35,017 children. Thirty-three of the included studies were RCTs; six studies were quasi-experimental and three studies were cost studies. Majority of the studies were judged to be at high risk of bias for blinding of the participants, personnel and outcome assessment. Majority of the outcomes were rated as either moderate or low quality. Outcomes were downgraded mainly due to study limitations, high heterogeneity, imprecision and small sample size. Community-based strategies to screen and manage SAM/MAM versus no community-based strategies (two studies): Integrated community-based management probably improves recovery rate by 4% [risk ratio (RR): 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00 to 1.09; one study; 1,957 participants; moderate-quality outcome], and reduces weight gain by 0.8 g·kg-1·day-1 [mean difference (MD): -0.80 g·kg-1·day-1; 95% CI: -0.82 to -0.78; one study; 1,957 participants; moderate-quality outcome] compared with no community-based strategies, while mortality was similar between the two groups (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.45; one study; 1,957 participants; moderate-quality outcome). Facility-based strategies to screen and manage uncomplicated SAM versus other standard of care (four studies): There was no evidence of effect on recovery (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.25; one study; 60 participants; very-low-quality evidence) and mortality (RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.94; two studies; 473 participants; low-quality outcome). Facility-based management with RUTF versus F100 ("catch-up" formula to rebuild wasted tissues containing 100 kcal and 2.9 g protein per 100 ml) for SAM (three studies): There was no evidence of effect on weight gain (MD: 2 g·kg-1·day-1; 95% CI: -0.23 to 4.23; three studies; 266 participants; very-low-quality outcome) and mortality (RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.34 to 4.22; two studies; 168 participants; low-quality outcome). Community-based management of SAM with standard RUTF compared with other foods (14 studies): There was no evidence of effect on recovery rate when standard RUTF was compared to non-milk/peanut butter-based RUTF (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.08; five studies; 5743 participants; I2 50%; moderate quality outcome), energy-dense, home-prepared food (RR: 1.14; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.36; four studies; 959 participants; I2 75%; low quality outcome), or high oleic RUTF (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.31; one study; 141 participants; moderate quality outcome). Standard RUTF may improve weight gain by 0.5 g·kg-1·day-1 (MD: 0.5 g·kg-1·day-1; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.99; three studies; 3,069 participants; low-quality outcome) when compared with non-milk/peanut butter-based RUTF and by 5.5 g·kg-1·day-1 when compared with F100 (MD: 5.50 g·kg-1·day-1; 95% CI: 2.92 to 8.08; one study; 70 participants; low-quality outcome). There was no evidence of effect on mortality when standard RUTF was compared with other foods (RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.41; nine studies; 7,667 participants; low-quality outcome). RUSF for MAM compared with other foods (14 studies): There was no evidence of effect on recovery rate when standard RUSF was compared with local/home made food (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.33; three studies; 435 participants; low-quality outcome) and whey RUSF (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.00; one study; 2230 participants; high-quality outcome); while standard RUSF may improve recovery by 7% when compared with corn-soy blend (CSB) (RR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.13; six studies; 5,744 participants; low-quality outcome). There was no evidence of effect on weight gain when standard RUSF was compared with local home made food (MD: -0.75 g·kg-1·day-1; 95% CI: -2.03 to 0.43; one study; 73 participants; low-quality outcome) and whey RUSF (MD: -0.16 g·kg-1·day-1; 95% CI: -0.33 to 0.01; one study; 2,230 participants; high-quality outcome); while standard RUSF may improve weight gain by 0.49 g·kg-1·day-1 when compared with CSB (MD: 0.49 g·kg-1·day-1; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.87; five studies; 4,354 participants; low-quality outcome). There was no evidence of effect on mortality when standard RUSF was compared with other foods (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.68; eight studies; 8,310 participants; moderate-quality outcome). Prophylactic antibiotic versus no antibiotic (three studies): Prophylactic antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated SAM improves recovery rate by 6% (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.08; two studies; 5,166 participants; high-quality outcome), probably improves weight gain by 0.67 g·kg-1·day-1 (MD: 0.67 g·kg-1·day-1; 95% CI: 0.28, 1.06; two studies; 5,052 participants; moderate-quality outcome) and probably reduces mortality by 26% (RR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.98; three studies; 6944 participants; moderate quality outcome) compared to no antibiotics group. High-dose vitamin A versus low-dose vitamin A (two studies): There was no evidence of effect on weight gain (MD: 0.05 g·kg-1·day-1; 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.18; one study; 207 participants; moderate-quality outcome) and mortality (RR: 7.07; 95% CI: 0.37 to 135.13; one study; 207 participants; moderate-quality outcome). Authors’ conclusions Limited data show some benefit of integrated community-based screening, identification and management of SAM and MAM on improving recovery. Facility-based screening and management of uncomplicated SAM has no benefit on recovery and mortality, while the effect of F100 for SAM is similar to RUTF for weight gain and mortality. Local food and whey RUSF have similar effects as standard RUSF on recovery rate and weight gain in MAM, while standard RUSF has additional benefits to CSB. Prophylactic antibiotic administration in uncomplicated SAM improves recovery rate, weight gain and reduces mortality, while limited data suggest that high-dose vitamin A supplementation is comparable with low-dose vitamin A supplementation for weight gain and mortality among children with SAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai K. Das
- Division of Women and Child HealthAga Khan University HospitalKarachiPakistan
| | - Rehana A. Salam
- Division of Women and Child HealthAga Khan University HospitalKarachiPakistan
| | - Marwah Saeed
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan UniversityKarachiPakistan
| | - Faheem Ali Kazmi
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan UniversityKarachiPakistan
| | - Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
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Das JK, Salam RA, Saeed M, Kazmi FA, Bhutta ZA. Effectiveness of Interventions for Managing Acute Malnutrition in Children under Five Years of Age in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12010116. [PMID: 31906272 PMCID: PMC7019612 DOI: 10.3390/nu12010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood malnutrition is a major public health concern, as it is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. The objective of this review was to comprehensively review the evidence for the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) according to the current World Health Organization (WHO) protocol using facility- and community-based approaches, as well as the effectiveness of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF), prophylactic antibiotic use, and vitamin A supplementation. We searched relevant electronic databases until 11 February 2019, and performed a meta-analysis. This review summarizes findings from a total of 42 studies (48 papers), including 35,017 children. Limited data show some benefit of integrated community-based screening, identification, and management of SAM and MAM on improving recovery rate. Facility-based screening and management of uncomplicated SAM has no effect on recovery and mortality, while the effect of therapeutic milk F100 for SAM is comparable to RUTF for weight gain and mortality. Local food and whey RUSF are comparable to standard RUSF for recovery rate and weight gain in MAM, while standard RUSF has additional benefits to CSB. Prophylactic antibiotic administration in uncomplicated SAM improves recovery rate and probably improves weight gain and reduces mortality. Limited data suggest that high-dose vitamin A supplementation is comparable with low-dose vitamin A supplementation for weight gain and mortality among children with SAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai K. Das
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi 74800, Pakistan; (J.K.D.); (R.A.S.); (F.A.K.)
| | - Rehana A. Salam
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi 74800, Pakistan; (J.K.D.); (R.A.S.); (F.A.K.)
| | - Marwah Saeed
- Medical Student, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan;
| | - Faheem Ali Kazmi
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi 74800, Pakistan; (J.K.D.); (R.A.S.); (F.A.K.)
| | - Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
- Centre for Global Child Health, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Lelijveld N, Beedle A, Farhikhtah A, Elrayah EE, Bourdaire J, Aburto N. Systematic review of the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition using food products. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2019; 16:e12898. [PMID: 31667981 PMCID: PMC7038867 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
There is currently a lack of international guidance on the most appropriate treatment for moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), and discrepancies in national treatment guidelines exist. We aimed to explore whether food interventions are effective for MAM children 6–59 months old and whether they result in better outcomes compared with no treatment or management with nutrition counselling. A systematic literature search was conducted in October 2018, identifying studies that compared treating MAM children with food products versus management with counselling or no intervention. A total of 673 abstracts were screened, 101 full texts were read, and one study was identified that met our inclusion criteria. After broadening the criteria to include micronutrients in the control group and enrolment based on out‐dated anthropometric criteria, 11 studies were identified for inclusion. Seven of these found food products to be superior for anthropometric outcomes compared with counselling and/or micronutrient supplementation; two of the studies found no significant benefit of a food product intervention; and two studies were inconclusive. Hence, the majority of studies in this review found that food products resulted in greater anthropometric gains than counselling or micronutrient interventions. This was especially true if the supplementary food provided was of suitable quality and provided for an adequate duration. Improving quality of and adherence to counselling may improve its effectiveness, particularly in food secure contexts. There is currently a paucity of comparable studies on this topic as well as a lack of studies that include important functional outcomes beyond anthropometric proxies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Lelijveld
- School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alexandra Beedle
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Nancy Aburto
- United National World Food Programme, Rome, Italy
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