Acute Malnutrition in Children: Pathophysiology, Clinical Effects and Treatment

The Relation Between War, Starvation, and Fertility Ideals in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Life History Perspective

In this article, we examine the relations between extreme environmental harshness during childhood and personal fertility ideals in African students. The study is informed by biological models of predictive adaptive responses (PAR) for individual reproductive schedules in the context of life history theory (LHT). Following theoretical models of external and internal environmental cues, we tested whether war and starvation during childhood differentially predict African students' personal fertility ideals in terms of their desired number of children and their desired age of first parenthood. The data were collected in eight different countries from sub-Saharan Africa with an overall sample size of N = 392. Standardized effect estimates were obtained using a Bayesian approach. The results suggest that war and starvation are predictive of the desired number of children, but not of the desired age of first parenthood. Moreover, the effect estimates varied considerably between females and males, indicating possible interactions between the two independent variables depending on the students' sex. Furthermore, we found a small negative correlation between the desired number of children and the desired age of first parenthood, providing only weak support for a clustering of the two variables on a slow-fast continuum. The results are discussed in light of current models of individual life histories in humans.

Measuring Food Insecurity in Children under 5 Years of Age with Acute Undernutrition in Valle Del Cauca-Colombia

Malnutrition is a global problem that affects all countries in one or more of its forms, representing one of the greatest challenges worldwide. One of the key contributing factors is food insecurity, which must be evaluated in children with moderate and severe acute malnutrition, as they are at imminent risk of death.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess food insecurity among children under 5 years old with moderate, and severe malnutrition from Valle del Cauca, a state located in the southwestern region of Colombia.

METHODS

A descriptive observational study was conducted, including children whose weight-for-height (W/H) indicator was below 2 SD, as recorded on the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts, or who exhibited severe malnutrition phenotypes such as marasmus or Kwashiorkor. Family and child food security were evaluated using the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA).

RESULTS

58.6% of households with acutely malnourished children experienced food insecurity. A statistically significant relationship was found between food insecurity and children of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous descent. According to caregivers' perceptions, 30.2% of child malnutrition cases were related to poor feeding and caregiving practices.

CONCLUSIONS

Not all children with acute malnutrition suffer from food insecurity. Therefore, the findings of this research suggest that governmental efforts should focus not only on ensuring food availability, but also on educating caregivers about the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to the specific characteristics of each region and promoting appropriate caregiving practices.

Cutaneous manifestations of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a mutation in the Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, and features recurrent sinus and pulmonary infections, steatorrhea, and malnutrition. CF is associated with diverse cutaneous manifestations, including transient reactive papulotranslucent acrokeratoderma of the palms, nutrient deficiency dermatoses, and vasculitis. Rarely these are presenting symptoms of CF, prior to pulmonary or gastrointestinal sequelae. Cutaneous drug eruptions are also highly common in patients with CF (PwCF) given frequent antibiotic exposure. Finally, CFTR modulating therapy, which has revolutionized CF management, is associated with cutaneous side effects ranging from acute urticaria to toxic epidermal necrolysis. Recognition of dermatologic clinical manifestations of CF is important to appropriately care for PwCF. Dermatologists may play a significant role in the diagnosis and management of CF and associated skin complications.

Using mid-upper arm circumference z -score measurement to support youth malnutrition screening as part of a global sports and wellness program and improve access to nutrition care

Objective

Historically, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) has been instrumental to identifying malnutrition in children under 5 years living in resource restricted settings. Less attention is directed to at-risk, school-aged youth. Updated and validated pediatric age- and gender-specific MUAC growth curves expand malnutrition screening opportunities (2 months-18 years) including overweight/obesity. An innovative partnership was created to integrate MUAC z-score measurement trainings and screenings in the Real Madrid Foundation's (RMF) Social Sports Schools (S3) program, which provide sports and wellness programming to under-resourced communities. This work aimed to investigate the feasibility of leveraging non-healthcare professionals (non-HCPs) to identify malnutrition risk as part of RMF S3.

Methods

This global, two-part program on malnutrition risk identification included training adult facilitators and screening children attending RMF S3. RMF facilitators were trained with didactic lectures on malnutrition, and practical hands-on learning of proper MUAC z-score tape measurement. Aggregate data on facilitators and the number of times to correctly administer the MUAC z-tape were recorded. Aggregate data on child malnutrition risk screenings were collected.

Results

Nine countries participated representing Europe, Pacific Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America. In total, 143 RMF facilitators were trained, and 318 children were screened across 11 sites. More than half of facilitators were male (56%, n = 80), and majority were coaches (41.3%, n = 59), followed by staff (25.2%, n = 36), and volunteers (16.1%, n = 23). Facilitator attempts ranged from 1 to 4 times for proper MUAC z-score administration with mean 2.12 (± 0.86). There were no significant differences for attempts among RMF facilitator types (p = 0.10). Sixteen percent (n = 51) of children screened were recommended for HCP referral, with concentrations in Pacific Asia (68%, n = 35), Latin America (24%, n = 12), and Africa (8%, n = 4).

Conclusions

Findings from our sample demonstrate that integration of MUAC z-score based malnutrition risk screening within community sports and wellness programming among non-HCPs is feasible, and that some regions with less frequent access to routine health care may experience greater benefit from these programs. Equipping non-HCP facilitators in community sports and wellness programs with training on malnutrition screening provides a means to meet under-resourced families where they live to begin conversations around malnutrition risk with the hope of establishing additional pathways to care.

A cross-sectional analysis of preterm birth incidence and survival in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

To understand the prevalence and survival rates of preterm birth (PTB) is of utmost importance in informing healthcare planning, improving neonatal care, enhancing maternal and infant health, monitoring long-term outcomes, and guiding policy and advocacy efforts.

METHODS

The medical records of preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a diagnosis of prematurity at the Maternity and Children's Hospital (MCH), Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, were reviewed between January 2018 and December 2022. Data were collected on birth weight (BW), gender, number of live births, gestational age, mortality, nationality, APGAR score, length of stay in the NICU, and maternal details.

RESULTS

A total of 9809 live births were identified between 2018 and 2022, of which 139 (3.9%) were born preterm. The overall mortality rate of the included sample was 7.19%, whereas the mortality rate according to BW was 38.4% of those born with extremely low birth weight (ELBW). The most common intrapartum complications were malpresentation (15.1%), placental complications (4.3%), and cord complications (3.6%).

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of PTB in the country, particularly focusing on the vulnerability of extremely preterm babies.

Environmental Predictors of Undernutrition Among Under-5 Children at Dabat District Health Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023

Background

In Ethiopia, undernutrition remains a significant public health concern throughout the year due to persistent household food insecurit. The intensifying conflict in the Dabat district, involving the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Liberation Front, has increased the threat of undernutrition among under-5 children. The cessation of humanitarian aid has worsened food insecurity, increasing the vulnerability of the children in the region. However,there was no data showing the prevalence and environmental pridictors of undernutrition in the Dabat district, northwestern Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and identify environmental pridictors in this study setting.

Methods

This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2023. A total of 400 under-5 children were included in this study using systematic random sampling techniques with a 100% response rate. The study included all under-5 children who visited healthcare facilities during the data collection period. However, it excluded children under-5 who had physical deformities, were critically ill, or had congenital abnormalities or known chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or chronic heart diseases. Binary logistic regression was used to determine environmental predictors of undernutrition, with statistical significance at a P-value of ⩽.05.

Results

The overall prevalence of undernutrition was found to be 12% (95% CI: 8.72-21.5). Among those affected, 32.8% (95% CI: 21.5-39.8) were stunted, 37.9% (95% CI: 28.8-47.50) were underweight, and 29.3% (95% CI: 21.3-29.7) were wasted. The environmental predictors of undernutrition were latrine use, recent diarrhea episodes, mothers' occupation and place of residence, water treatment before consumption, water sources and storage, water extraction methods, and mothers' handwashing habits.

Conclusions and recommendations

The study found a higher prevalence of undernutrition among under-5 children compared to the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey. This study recommended raising awareness about establishing private toilets, promoting water treatment, proper latrine use, and handwashing practices. Training on personal hygiene and economic support for households should also be provided. Healthcare providers should offer quality health services for under-5 children. Further research is needed to explore specific nutrient deficiencies using laboratory methods.

Knowledge and practices of traditional management of child malnutrition and associated pathologies in Benin

BACKGROUND

Child malnutrition is a major public health challenge, affecting millions of children worldwide, with alarming proportions of children under five in Benin. The complexity of managing this condition is increased by its potential association with opportunistic pathologies. An interesting approach arises from the use of medicinal plants, to address child malnutrition and its associated pathologies. This study aimed to document the knowledge and practices of Beninese mothers and traditional practitioners with regard to the use of medicinal plants to treat child malnutrition and associated diseases.

METHODS

A total of 844 Beninese mothers and 201 traditional healers were surveyed between March 2022 and August 2023 in the communes of Karimama, Bopa and Za-Kpota in Benin. The respondents' knowledge of child malnutrition and associated pathologies was explored. The ethnobotanical data collected from the subjects concerned the medicinal recipes used to treat child malnutrition, the medicinal plants that make them up and the methods of use. These data were analyzed using ethnobotanical indices such as the Informant Consensus Factor, the frequency of citation of medicinal recipes types and medicinal plants, and the contribution of plants to medicinal recipes.

RESULTS

All respondents cited a total of 82 plant species used to treat child malnutrition and associated diseases. These plants were grouped into 37 botanical families, the most common of which were Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Annonaceae. The leaves were the most commonly used part of the plant species identified. The mothers shared 122 medicinal recipes, ranging from recipes based on a single plant to more complex compositions involving five plants. The most notable plants were Moringa oleifera Lam, Phyllanthus amarus Schumach & Thonn, Senna siamea (Lam.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby, Carica papaya L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. Traditional healers provided 52 plants in 71 recipes, with Moringa oleifera featuring prominently in both single-plant and multiplant formulations.

CONCLUSION

This study made it possible to constitute a rich base of medicinal recipes used against malnutrition and associated pathologies, with the preponderant involvement of certain plant species. It is therefore necessary to deepen research on these different identified species in order to scientifically assess their potential.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child malnutrition in Selangor, Malaysia: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Child malnutrition risk factors are globally recognized, but the specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of child malnutrition, considering socioeconomic burdens and changes in family lifestyles, remains underexplored. This study aims to identify the significance of COVID-19-related factors in relation to the prevalence of child malnutrition in Selangor, Malaysia.

METHODS

Purposive sampling was employed in this pilot study to select the households with under-5 children and, a structured questionnaire was developed to gather data. Chi-squared tests, logistic regression modelling and World Health Organisation AnthroPlus software-based visualization were used for analyses.

RESULTS

The present study's findings indicate that demographic and social factors, including 'Citizenship,' 'Type of House,' 'Number of Earning Members,' 'Father's Highest Educational Level,' and 'Number of Children in a Family,' have a statistically significant association with Wasting. Additionally, the mother's 'Highest Educational Level' is found to be linked to underweight prevalence. Within COVID-19 factors, "COVID-19 Impact on Employment/Business" demonstrated significance for both stunting and wasting. Multivariate analysis revealed disparities in childhood malnutrition by gender, age, and factors such as "COVID-19 impact on children's physical activity" and "COVID-19 impact on children's decrease in health over the last two weeks."

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified COVID-19 factors alongside sociodemographic variables with statistically significant relationships impacting childhood malnutrition in Selangor, Malaysia. The results underscored the substantial influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on child malnutrition prevalence. Decision-makers at family and community levels can benefit by considering these factors in their actions. However, the study's limitation lay in its dataset, urging larger-scale analyses to explore further sub-categories of the examined variables.

Determinants of severe acute malnutrition among children less than five years visiting health centers in Leqa Dulacha District, East Wallaga Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: A case control study

Background

In underdeveloped nations like Ethiopia, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is one of the most pressing public health issues. Despite efforts to pinpoint the causes of SAM, the impact of parents' drug usage on their children's nutritional status remains unclear and unresolved.

Objective

The purpose of this research was to determine the risk factors for SAM in children under five who were attending medical facilities in the Leqa Dulacha district.

Materials and Methods

A health facility-based case-control study was carried out from March 1 to July 30, 2022, with 256 children under the age of five. Random sampling was used to identify study participants in a methodical manner. Mothers and other child caretakers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were performed using standardized, calibrated equipment. Epi-data version 3.1 was used to code and enter the data, and it was then exported to IBM SPSS for analysis. An analysis of multivariable binary logistic regression was conducted, and the measure of association employed was the adjusted odds ratio (AOR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 96.5% of respondents responded. SAM in children was significantly correlated with the following factors: parent alcohol consumption [AOR = 3.142; 95% CI = (1.104, 8.945)]; child illness in the previous 15 days [AOR = 4.122; 95% CI = (1.686, 10.07)]; poor dietary diversity [AOR = 3.044; 95% CI = (1.189, 7.788)]; household food insecurity [AOR = 4.024; 95% CI = (1.544, 10.490)]; and parent chewing chat [AOR = 3.484; 95% CI = (1.329, 9.134)].

Conclusions

A number of factors have been linked to SAM in children, including the use of health services, the child's illness within the previous 15 days, food security, child feeding practices, and parent substance use. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the value of health education programs on child feeding habits, particularly the significance of dietary diversity, and to work together to modify the way that parents raise their children.

Association between protein undernutrition and diabetes: Molecular implications in the reduction of insulin secretion

Undernutrition is still a recurring nutritional problem in low and middle-income countries. It is directly associated with the social and economic sphere, but it can also negatively impact the health of the population. In this sense, it is believed that undernourished individuals may be more susceptible to the development of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, throughout life. This hypothesis was postulated and confirmed until today by several studies that demonstrate that experimental models submitted to protein undernutrition present alterations in glycemic homeostasis linked, in part, to the reduction of insulin secretion. Therefore, understanding the changes that lead to a reduction in the secretion of this hormone is essential to prevent the development of diabetes in undernourished individuals. This narrative review aims to describe the main molecular changes already characterized in pancreatic β cells that will contribute to the reduction of insulin secretion in protein undernutrition. So, it will provide new perspectives and targets for postulation and action of therapeutic strategies to improve glycemic homeostasis during this nutritional deficiency.

Efficacy of ready-to-use food supplement for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months

Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is a persistent public health problem in Tanzania. The current approach for its management is nutrition counselling. However, there has been no commercial production of ready-to-use supplementary foods for the management of MAM in the country but rather imported from companies outside the country. The objective of the study was to determine the ability of a ready-to-use food supplementation versus corn soya blend (CSB+) to manage MAM. The randomised controlled trial employed three parallel arm approach. The first arm received CSB+ and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counselling, the second arm received ready-to-use food (RUF) and IYCF counselling and the third arm, a control group, received IYCF as standard care for three consecutive months. Results indicated that the overall proportion of children who recovered from MAM was 65.6%. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the proportion of children who recovered from MAM between the three arms (CSB+, RUF and standard care). Results revealed further a high recovery rate of 83.7% in the RUF arm, followed by 71.9% in the CSB+ arm and 41% in the standard care arm. The risk differences for RUF compared with CSB+ and standard care were 11.8% and 42.7%, respectively. RUFs can be used as an alternative supplement to conventional CSB+ for the management of MAM in children and, thus, has the potential to scale up its use to address the problem of MAM among 6 to 59 months' children.

Suboptimal child healthcare practices and the development of multiple infectious diseases in children aged 24-59 months

Background

Infections continue to be a major cause of death among children under the age of five worldwide. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the development of multiple infectious diseases in children aged 24-59 months in Indonesia.

Methods

Data from the 2018 Basic Health Research conducted by the Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia, were used. Information from 39,948 children aged 24-59 months was analyzed. The outcome variable was the development of multiple infectious diseases, that is, acute respiratory infections, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, diarrhea, and hepatitis, in the month before the survey. Factors significantly associated with multiple types of infectious diseases were examined using logistic regression.

Results

The study found that 76.6% of children aged 24 to 59 months in Indonesia had at least one type of infectious disease. The likelihood of developing multiple types of infectious diseases increased in children whose parents did not practice appropriate handwashing with soap and running water [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.16, p < 0.001], those who received supplemental food (aOR = 1.38, p < 0.001), those with poor nutritional status (aOR = 1.12, p < 0.001), and those living in urban areas (aOR = 1.07, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Improving caregivers' awareness of adequate child healthcare practices, in addition to nutrition-sensitive and specific interventions to improve children's nutritional status, is required to prevent children from contracting multiple types of infectious diseases.

Nutritional, Shelf-Life, and Sensory Evaluation of Cucumis callosus Based Optimized Syrup

Cucumis callosus or "Choti kachri" is feral species of Cucurbitaceae family grown commonly in the semi-arid zones. The current study aimed to optimize and develop a syrup by utilizing C. callosus. For optimization of various combinations of C. callosus (CC) and Malus domestica (MD), various treatments were prepared namely T1 (100:00), T2 (75:25), T3 (50:50), T4 (00:100). The developed syrups were analyzed for nutritional and sensory analysis for a storage period of three months. The maximum and minimum range of different blends and storage period for various parameters were reported as TSS (oBx) (65.06 ± 0.23 to 67.17 ± 0.25), pH (4.67 ± 0.17 to 5.02 ± 0.65), acidity (%citric acid) (0.61 ± 0.02 to 0.98 ± 0.11), reducing sugars (%) (35.98 ± 0.12 to 44.12 ± 0.03), total sugars (%) (57.12 ± 0.03 to 65.51 ± 0.07), and non-reducing sugars (%) (14.88 ± 0.19 to 26.65 ± 0.11). All the blends varied non- significantly in terms of TSS, pH and acidity while significant (p ≥ 0.05) difference was noted in sugars when blended with 75:25 ratio of CC: MD. The data with respect to storage study reveals that the TSS, PH and acidity varied non-significantly while reducing sugars increased significantly. However, total, and non-reducing sugars decreased significantly with the increase of storage period. The prepared blends were subjected for sensory evaluation using 9-point hedonic scale for assessing color, consistency, taste, aroma, and overall acceptability with noted values as 8.0 ± 0.54 to 7.0 ± 0.44, 7.2 ± 0.54 to 8.0 ± 0.70, 7.0 ± 0.44 to 8.0 ± 0.70, 7.2 ± 0.44 to 8.0 ± 0.70, and 7.2 ± 0.44 to 8.0 ± 0.83. The study indicated that C. callosus is an acceptable source for development of syrup.

Comparison of Characteristics of Children with Severe Acute and Chronic Malnutrition Hospitalized with Diarrhea

Children with malnutrition present with aberrant laboratory parameters. This study aimed to identify high-risk diarrheal children with varied nutritional status. The data were obtained from the electronic database of Dhaka Hospital, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh from 2019 to 2021. Among 1,068 children under 5 years of age with diarrhea, 177 (14%) had severe acute malnutrition (SAM; weight-for-length/height Z score < -3), 239 children (17%) had severe stunting (SS; length/height-for-age Z score < -3), and 652 did not have malnutrition (weight-for-length/height and weight-for-age and length/height-for-age Z score > -2). We independently assessed the relationship of nutritional profiles with each clinical and laboratory parameter. After adjustment for age and sex in the multiple regression model, hyponatremia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.37 [95% CI: 1.52-3.68]; P < 0.001) and dehydration (aOR = 2.42 [95% CI: 1.67-3.52]; P < 0.001) were independently associated with SAM compared with children without malnutrition. In comparison to non-malnutrition, SS was less likely to be associated with acute watery diarrhea (aOR = 0.66 [95% CI: 0.47-0.92]; P = 0.014) but was significantly associated with anemia (aOR = 2.18 [95% CI: 1.57-3.02]; P < 0.001) and thrombocytosis (aOR = 2.43 [95% CI: 1.78-3.32]; P < 0.001). The presence of hypernatremia was substantially lower in children with SAM (aOR = 0.38 [95% CI: 0.22-0.65]; P < 0.001) or SS (aOR = 0.56 [95% CI: 0.35-0.88]; P = 0.012) than in children without malnutrition. Severe stunting was less likely to be associated with dehydration (aOR = 0.44 [95% CI: 0.29-0.67]; P < 0.001) in contrast to SAM. Therefore, children hospitalized with diarrhea may have different clinical and laboratory manifestations depending on their nutritional status and may require differential treatment.

The impact of anthropogenic climate change on pediatric viral diseases

The adverse effects of climate change on human health are unfolding in real time. Environmental fragmentation is amplifying spillover of viruses from wildlife to humans. Increasing temperatures are expanding mosquito and tick habitats, introducing vector-borne viruses into immunologically susceptible populations. More frequent flooding is spreading water-borne viral pathogens, while prolonged droughts reduce regional capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks with adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene resources. Worsening air quality and altered transmission seasons due to an increasingly volatile climate may exacerbate the impacts of respiratory viruses. Furthermore, both extreme weather events and long-term climate variation are causing the destruction of health systems and large-scale migrations, reshaping health care delivery in the face of an evolving global burden of viral disease. Because of their immunological immaturity, differences in physiology (e.g., size), dependence on caregivers, and behavioral traits, children are particularly vulnerable to climate change. This investigation into the unique pediatric viral threats posed by an increasingly inhospitable world elucidates potential avenues of targeted programming and uncovers future research questions to effect equitable, actionable change. IMPACT: A review of the effects of climate change on viral threats to pediatric health, including zoonotic, vector-borne, water-borne, and respiratory viruses, as well as distal threats related to climate-induced migration and health systems. A unique focus on viruses offers a more in-depth look at the effect of climate change on vector competence, viral particle survival, co-morbidities, and host behavior. An examination of children as a particularly vulnerable population provokes programming tailored to their unique set of vulnerabilities and encourages reflection on equitable climate adaptation frameworks.

[Somatometric alterations and lower APGAR score in indigenous newborns]

INTRODUCTION

the indigenous population is vulnerable and there is limited understanding of their somatometric indicators and APGAR score at birth.

AIM

the objective of the study was to explore the association of the condition of indigenous newborn (INB) on somatometric parameters and APGAR score at birth.

METHODS

this study employed an exploratory cross-sectional design, utilizing the registry of newborns (NB) from a private clinic. The APGAR score at one minute after birth, as well as nutritional indicators derived from measurements of weight, height, and perimeters, were taken into consideration. The statistical analysis involved the use of logistic regressions.

RESULTS

the analysis included 7413 NB (1.8 % INB), 52 % were male and 8.1 % were born preterm (gestational age < 37 weeks). In comparison to non-indigenous NB, the INB group showed a higher risk of malnutrition (8 % vs. 6.3 %; p < 0.001), a greater prevalence of excess weight (7.3 % vs. 1.8 %; p < 0.001), smaller head circumference (33.6 cm vs. 34.1 cm; p = 0.017), smaller abdominal circumference (30.9 cm vs. 31.5 cm; p = 0.011), and a higher occurrence of low APGAR scores (< 7) (8.7 % vs. 1.2 %; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the indigenous condition was independently associated with low birth weight (< 2.500 g) (OR, 0.4; 95 % CI, 0.2; 0.9), excess head circumference (OR, 2.7; 95 % CI, 1.5; 4.7), and APGAR score < 7 points (OR, 8.3; 95 % CI, 4.2; 16.5).

CONCLUSIONS

the indigenous condition was associated with factors that have adverse effects on the health of NB, including reduced head circumference and suboptimal performance on the APGAR scale. These results emphasize the importance of improving access to and quality of prenatal healthcare services for indigenous communities.

The Tolerance Model of Non-Inflammatory Immune Competence in Acute Pediatric Malnutrition: Origins, Evidence, Test of Fitness and Growth Potential

The tolerance model rests on the thesis of a physiologically regulated, albeit unsustainable, systemic attempt to adapt to the catabolic challenge posed by acute prepubescent malnutrition even in its severe forms. The model centers on the immunological component of the attempt, positing reorientation toward a non-inflammatory form of competence in place of the classic paradigm of immunological attrition and exhaustion. The foundation of the model was laid in 1990, and sixteen years later it was articulated formally on the basis of a body of evidence centered on T cell cytokines and interventions with cytokine and hormonal mediators. The benefit originally suggested was a reduced risk of autoimmune pathologies consequent to the catabolic release of self-antigens, hence the designation highlighting immune tolerance. Herein, the emergence of the tolerance model is traced from its roots in the recognition that acute malnutrition elicits an endocrine-based systemic adaptive attempt. Thereafter, the growth of the evidence base supporting the model is outlined, and its potential to shed new light on existing information is tested by application to the findings of a published clinical study of acutely malnourished children. Finally, some knowledge gaps pertinent to the model are identified and its potential for growth consonant with evolving perceptions of immunobiology is illustrated.

Undernutrition in children aged 0-59 months by region and over time: secondary analysis of the Burkina Faso 2012-2018 National Nutrition Surveys

The global burden of undernutrition remains high, responsible for significant under-five mortality in resource-limited settings. Numerous sustainable development goals (SDGs) are linked to nutrition, and nationally representative nutrition surveillance is a key activity to track progress towards SDGs and guide efficient programmes.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to look at spatial and temporal trends in undernutrition in children under 5 years age in Burkina Faso.

SETTING

We used data from annual National Nutrition Surveys using Standardised Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions methodology (anthropometry, morbidity) over 7 years (2012-2018) in Burkina Faso.

PARTICIPANTS

Children of under 5 years from households selected through systemic sampling at countrywide level.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of stunting (height-for-age z-score, <-2), underweight (weight-for-age z-score, <-2) and wasting (weight-for-height z-score, <-2) at regional and national. We used general linear mixed models, adjusted by age, survey year, sex, presence of fever and/or diarrhoea, and poverty index to quantify the risk of undernutrition over time and by region of residence.

RESULTS

Between 2012 and 2018, decreases were observed overall in the prevalence of growth retardation (stunting) decreased from 33.0% (95% CI 32.3 to 33.8) in 2012 to 26.7% (95% CI 26.2 to 27.3) in 2018. Underweight reduced from 24.4% (95% CI 23.7 to 25.1) to 18.7% (95% CI 18.2 to 19.2) for the same period and wasting decreased from 10.8% (95% CI 10.3 to 11.3) in 2012 to 8.4% (95% CI 8.1 to 8.8) in 2018. However, there was substantial variation across the country, with increased risk of undernutrition in the regions of Sahel, East and Cascades primarily. High-risk regions were characterised by a lower poverty index and limited access to healthcare services.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings could inform national policymakers in refining and optimising resource allocation based on the identification of high-risk areas.

A Systematic Review to Manage Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorders in Pediatric Gastroenterological Practice

Avoidant/Restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a feeding disorder characterized by persistent difficulty eating, such as limited choices of preferred foods, avoidance or restriction of certain foods or food groups, and negative emotions related to eating or meals. Although ARFID mainly affects children, it can also occur in adolescents and adults. ARFID can have serious physical and mental health consequences, including stunted growth, nutritional deficiencies, anxiety, and other psychiatric comorbidities. Despite its increasing importance, ARFID is relatively underrecognized and undertreated in clinical practice. Treatment consists of a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatric gastroenterologists, nutritionists, neuropsychiatrists, and psychologists. However, there are several gaps in the therapeutic approach for this condition, mainly due to the lack of interventional trials and the methodological variability of existing studies. Few studies have explored the nutritional management of ARFID, and no standardized guidelines exist to date. We performed a systematic literature review to describe the different nutritional interventions for children and adolescents diagnosed with ARFID and to assess their efficacy and tolerability. We identified seven retrospective cohort studies where patients with various eating and feeding disorders, including ARFID, underwent nutritional rehabilitation in hospital settings. In all studies, similar outcomes emerged in terms of efficacy and tolerability. According to our findings, the oral route should be the preferred way to start the refeeding protocol, and the enteral route should be generally considered a last resort for non-compliant patients or in cases of clinical instability. The initial caloric intake may be adapted to the initial nutritional status, but more aggressive refeeding regimens appear to be well tolerated and not associated with an increased risk of clinical refeeding syndrome (RS). In severely malnourished patients, however, phosphorus or magnesium supplementation may be considered to prevent the risk of electrolyte imbalance, or RS.

Understanding risk factors for severe acute malnutrition among children during war conflict in yemen

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a major public health concern in Yemen, particularly in areas affected by ongoing conflict war. SAM is defined as a very low weight for height, by visible severe wasting, or by the presence of nutritional edema. The prevalence of SAM in Yemen has increased dramatically since the onset of the conflict. Prior studies have focused on evaluating prevalence, but this novel study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with SAM prevalence. Five thousand two hundred and seventeen patients of SAM admitted at 12 sentinel hospitals were enrolled, and data were collected and analyzed. Marasmus was the most common form. Numerous risk factors contribute to the high prevalence of SAM in Yemen, including food insecurity. The current conflict has hampered food production, distribution, and access. Awareness of risk factors can prevent SAM in the general population.

Healthcare Burden Associated with Malnutrition Diagnoses in Hospitalized Children with Critical Illnesses

Our primary study objectives were to (i) determine the proportion of children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with malnutrition diagnoses, (ii) compare healthcare utilization by malnourished and non-malnourished PICU patients, and (iii) examine the impact of implementing malnutrition screening and coding practices at a major academic urban tertiary care medical center. Using patient records, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 4106 children admitted to the PICU for severe illnesses between 2011 and 2019. Patients were identified as malnourished if records showed an ICD-9 or ICD-10 code for malnutrition. We compared malnourished and non-malnourished patients by age, admitting diagnoses, number of comorbid conditions, and clinical outcomes (length of stay, hospital readmission). About 1 of every 5 PICU-admitted patients (783/4106) had a malnutrition diagnosis. Patients with malnutrition were younger (mean age 6.2 vs. 6.9 years, p < 0.01) and had more comorbid conditions (14.3 vs. 7.9, p < 0.01) than those without. Malnourished patients had longer hospital stays (26.1 vs. 10.0 days, p < 0.01) and higher 30-day readmission rates (10% vs. 7%, p = 0.03). Implementation of malnutrition screening and coding practices was associated with an increase in malnutrition diagnosis. In this study of children admitted to the PICU, malnourished patients had more comorbid diagnoses and used more healthcare resources (prolonged hospitalizations and higher 30-day readmission rates), leading to higher healthcare costs. Such findings underscore the need for policies, training, and programs emphasizing identification and treatment of malnutrition at hospitals caring for critically ill children.

Value of Nutritional Screening Tools Versus Anthropometric Measurements in Evaluating Nutritional Status of Children in a Low/Middle-Income Country

Purpose

Pediatric patients in low-income countries are at a high risk of malnutrition. Numerous screening tools have been developed to detect the risk of malnutrition, including the Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA), Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS), Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP), and Screening Tool for Risk of Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids). However, anthropometry remains the main tool for assessing malnutrition. We aimed to identify the value of four nutritional screening tools versus anthropometry for evaluating the nutritional status of children.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,000 children aged 1-12 years who visited the outpatient clinic of Cairo University Pediatric Hospital. Each participant was evaluated using anthropometric measurements (weight, length/height, and weight for length/height) as well as the PYMS, STAMP, STRONGkids, and SGNA screening tools. The sensitivities and specificities of these four tools were assessed using anthropometry as the gold standard.

Results

Of the patients, 1.7% were underweight, 10.2% were wasted, and 35% were stunted. STRONGkids demonstrated the highest sensitivity (79.4%) and a high specificity (80.2%) for detecting malnutrition compared with weight for height, followed by STAMP, which demonstrated lower sensitivity (73.5%) but higher specificity (81.4%). PYMS demonstrated the lowest sensitivity (66.7%) and the highest specificity (93.5%), whereas SAGA demonstrated higher sensitivity (77.5%) and lower specificity (85.4%) than PYMS.

Conclusion

The use of nutritional screening tools to evaluate the nutritional status of children is valuable and recommended as a simple and rapid method for identifying the risk of malnutrition in pediatric patients.

Disseminated Histoplasmosis in an Indigenous Child With Malnutrition: A Case Report

Histoplasmosis is a mycosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a dimorphic fungus endemic to areas with nitrogen-rich soil, like the one contaminated with bird and bat excrement. Patients with a deficient immune response are especially at risk for developing invasive infections, such as disseminated histoplasmosis, and secondary immunodeficiency can be a consequence of malnutrition. This case report presents a 15-month-old male infant with malnutrition who presented with signs and symptoms of disseminated histoplasmosis, including fever, malaise, weight loss, cough, and diarrhea. The infant came from a geographic area where histoplasmosis is endemic, and he was a member of a cultural group with a higher prevalence of histoplasmosis than the general population. On physical examination, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and lung crackles were found, which are common in most patients with histoplasmosis. The keystone of diagnosis of H. capsulatum infection is antigen detection, but the criterion standard is isolation of the organism from body specimens through laboratory culture. Histological diagnosis is especially useful for rapid diagnosis. Treatment of disseminated histoplasmosis in the pediatric population consists of deoxycholate amphotericin B for four to six weeks followed by itraconazole to complete a total of three months of treatment. Despite the involvement of multiple organ systems, the patient recovered satisfactorily after the completion of amphotericin B treatment for one month and the resolution of his malnourishment.

Right-side diaphragmatic eventration with atrial septa defect and cleft palate in an infant: a case report

BACKGROUND

Congenital right-side diaphragmatic eventration with atrial septal defect and cleft palate is a rare congenital anomaly.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a rare case of congenital right-sided diaphragmatic eventration along with atrial septal defect, cleft palate, pneumonia, and undernutrition in a 3-month-old Asian and Afghan girl. The clinical features were observed in the third month of life, and the diagnosis of these anomalies was established by the patient's history, physical examination, chest X-ray, thoracic computed tomography, and echocardiography. Her condition was good after supportive treatment. Since the index case of diaphragmatic eventration was associated with congenital heart disease, cleft palate, and parental consanguinity, a genetic basis may have played an important role in the pathogenesis of this anomaly.

CONCLUSION

Eventration of the diaphragm may be diagnosed in early infancy, and genetic factors may contribute to its pathogenesis.

Assessment of Serum Vitamin D Status and Its Associated Health Problem Among Children With Protein Energy Malnutrition: A Cross-Sectional Research Study in Central Rural India

Background Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a condition that results from inadequate intake of both macronutrients and micronutrients, leading to a lack of energy. The condition can manifest quickly or gradually, ranging from mild to severe. It predominantly affects children in low-income countries who do not receive enough calories and proteins. In developed nations, it is more prevalent among older individuals. PEM is more common in children as they consume less protein. In rare cases in developed countries, it may result from fad diets or a lack of knowledge about children's nutritional requirements, especially in cases of milk allergy. Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone growth and development by facilitating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food and supplements. Additionally, vitamin D has been linked to a reduced risk of infections, immune system disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Aims and objectives The primary objective of this study is to evaluate serum vitamin D levels and their relationship with health complications in children affected by PEM. The specific aim is to estimate the serum vitamin D levels in children with PEM who exhibit symptoms of being underweight, stunting (limited linear growth), wasting (abrupt weight loss), or edematous malnutrition (kwashiorkor). Additionally, this study seeks to analyze the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and the associated health problems in children with PEM. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study employed an analytical research approach. A total of 45 children with PEM participated in the study. Data were collected through a venipuncture method, and serum vitamin D level was assessed using an enhanced chemiluminescence method. The children's pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale, and developmental delay was evaluated using an assessment chart. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The study's results indicate that a considerable proportion of children, specifically 46.6%, were deficient in vitamin D, whereas 42.2% exhibited insufficiency and only 11.2% had sufficient levels of the vitamin. Pain assessment using the visual analogue scale classification revealed that 15.6% of children reported no pain, 60% reported mild pain, and 24.4% reported moderate pain. The mean and standard deviation of vitamin D levels correlated with developmental delay were 4.22±0.212 and 5.34±0.438, respectively. Similarly, the mean and standard deviation of vitamin D levels correlated with pain were 4.22±0.212 and 2.98±0.489, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient for vitamin D levels and pain was 0.010, with a significant level of 0.989, significantly lower than the tabulated value at a 5% significance level. Conclusion Based on the study's findings, it was concluded that children who suffer from PEM are at a risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, which can result in adverse health outcomes, including developmental delay and pain.

Estimation of Pediatric Dosage of Antimalarial Drugs, Using Pharmacokinetic and Physiological Approach

Most of the individuals who die of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa are children. It is, therefore, important for this age group to have access to the right treatment and correct dose. Artemether-lumefantrine is one of the fixed dose combination therapies that was approved by the World Health Organization to treat malaria. However, the current recommended dose has been reported to cause underexposure or overexposure in some children. The aim of this article was, therefore, to estimate the doses that can mimic adult exposure. The availability of more and reliable pharmacokinetic data is essential to accurately estimate appropriate dosage regimens. The doses in this study were estimated using the physiological information from children and some pharmacokinetic data from adults due to the lack of pediatric pharmacokinetic data in the literature. Depending on the approach that was used to calculate the dose, the results showed that some children were underexposed, and others were overexposed. This can lead to treatment failure, toxicity, and even death. Therefore, when designing a dosage regimen, it is important to know and include the distinctions in physiology at various phases of development that influence the pharmacokinetics of various drugs in order to estimate the dose in young children. The physiology at each time point during the growth of a child may influence how the drug is absorbed, gets distributed, metabolized, and eliminated. From the results, there is a very clear need to conduct a clinical study to further verify if the suggested (i.e., 0.34 mg/kg for artemether and 6 mg/kg for lumefantrine) doses could be clinically efficacious.

Time to recovery and its predictors among children 6-59 months with acute malnutrition admitted to community inpatient therapeutic feeding centers in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria: a retrospective review of health records (2010-2016)

BACKGROUND

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children under five years of age remains a huge public health and economic burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated time to recovery and its predictors among children aged 6 to 59 months admitted into Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) stabilisation centres for complicated severe acute malnutrition and whether the outcomes met the minimum Sphere standards.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective cross sectional quantitative review of data recorded in six CMAM stabilization centres registers in four Local Government Areas, Katsina state, Nigeria from September 2010 to November 2016. Records of 6925 children, aged 6-59 months with complicated SAM were reviewed. Descriptive analysis was used to compare performance indicators with Sphere project reference standards. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to estimate the predictors of recovery rate at p < 0.05 and Kaplan-Meier curve to predict the probability of surviving different forms of SAM.

RESULTS

Marasmus was the most common form of severe acute malnutrition (86%). Overall, the outcomes met the minimum sphere standards for inpatient management of SAM. Children with oedematous SAM (13.9%) had the lowest survival rate on Kaplan-Meier graph. The mortality rate was significantly higher during the 'lean season'-May to August (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) = 0.491, 95% CI = 0.288-0.838). MUAC at Exit (AHR = 0.521, 95% CI = 0.306-0.890), marasmus (AHR = 2.144, 95% CI = 1.079-4.260), transfers from OTP (AHR = 1.105, 95% CI = 0.558-2.190) and average weight gain (AHR = 0.239, 95% CI = 0.169-0.340) were found to be significant predictors of time-to-recovery with p values < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that, despite a high turnover of complicated SAM cases in the stabilization centres, the community approach to inpatient management of acute malnutrition enabled early detection and reduced delays in access to care of complicated SAM cases. In the face of health workforce shortage in rural communities to provide pediatric specialist care for SAM children, we recommend task shifting to community health care workers through in service training could bridge the gap and save more lives of children dying from the complication of SAM in rural communities in Nigeria.

Clinical Phenotypes of Malnutrition in Young Children: Differential Nutritional Correction

This review article summarizes current data on malnutrition etiology and pathogenesis in infants. Topical requirements for revealing this condition, its diagnosis and severity assessment via centile metrics are presented. The characteristics of the most common clinical phenotypes of postnatal growth insufficiency in infants (premature infants with different degree of maturation, including patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia) are described. Differential approaches for malnutrition nutritional correction in these children are presented. The final section of the article describes special nutritional needs for children with congenital heart defects in terms of hemodynamic disorders nature and severity. Modern nutritional strategies for preparation of these patients to surgery and for their postoperative period are presented. The use of high-calorie/high-protein product for malnutrition correction in the most vulnerable patients with described in this review phenotypes is worth noticing.

Pharmacokinetics of Antimicrobials in Children with Emphasis on Challenges Faced by Low and Middle Income Countries, a Clinical Review

Effective antimicrobial exposure is essential to treat infections and prevent antimicrobial resistance, both being major public health problems in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Delivery of drug concentrations to the target site is governed by dose and pharmacokinetic processes (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion). However, specific data on the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobials in children living in LMIC settings are scarce. Additionally, there are significant logistical constraints to therapeutic drug monitoring that further emphasize the importance of understanding pharmacokinetics and dosing in LMIC. Both malnutrition and diarrheal disease reduce the extent of enteral absorption. Multiple antiretrovirals and antimycobacterial agents, commonly used by children in low resource settings, have potential interactions with other antimicrobials. Hypoalbuminemia, which may be the result of malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome or liver failure, increases the unbound concentrations of protein bound drugs that may therefore be eliminated faster. Kidney function develops rapidly during the first years of life and different inflammatory processes commonly augment renal clearance in febrile children, potentially resulting in subtherapeutic drug concentrations if doses are not adapted. Using a narrative review approach, we outline the effects of growth, maturation and comorbidities on maturational and disease specific effects on pharmacokinetics in children in LMIC.

Accuracy of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference for Detecting Acute Malnutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months in an Urban Slum in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background The weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) is considered the gold standard for detecting acute malnutrition in children. However, an accurate assessment of WHZ can often be challenging, especially in community settings. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is a simple and easy-to-perform method to identify children with acute malnutrition. The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of MUAC in detecting acute malnutrition compared to WHZ among children aged 6-59 months in Bangladesh. Methods We used anthropometric data for 239 children aged 6-59 months from a cross-sectional study conducted in 2013 in an urban slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The sensitivity and specificity of MUAC to detect acute malnutrition were calculated, considering WHZ as the gold standard. Results The mean age of the children was 29.4 ± 12.7 months, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2. The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 17.1% and 22.5% based on WHZ and MUAC, respectively. The total area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.816. For detecting acute malnutrition, the sensitivity of MUAC was 61.0% and the specificity was 85.4% for the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended cutoff of <125 mm. Using the Youden index, the best MUAC cutoff point to detect acute malnutrition was <128 mm with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 74.7%. Conclusions Our study demonstrated a low sensitivity of MUAC to identify acute malnutrition at the WHO cutoff of <125 mm. The cutoff could be increased to <128 mm to capture more children with acute malnutrition.

Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Nutritional Status in Children under Five Years Old: A Systematic Review

Intestinal parasitic infections are common infectious diseases causing many health problems and impaired growth and physical development.. Children under five years old are the most vulnerable to infections, due to their immature immunity and feeding and exploratory behaviours. This systematic review aimed to assess the relationship between intestinal parasitic infections and undernutrition among children under 5 years old. Fifteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were classified as high-quality studies. Twelve parasites were reported, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Cryptosporodium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Enterobius vermicularis, Giardia lamblia, hookworm, Hymenolepis nana, Strongyloides sterocalis, Taenia spp. and Trichuris trichuria. Ascariasis is the most reported infection, with a prevalence ranging from 10.77% in Ethiopia to 57.14% in Malaysia, and is correlated with stunting (OR 2.17 (95% CI 1.14, 4.13), p = 0.02). Giardiasis is the second most reported infection, with a prevalence ranging from 4.43% in Ethiopia to 66.33% in the Central African Republic, and is related to an increased risk of stunting (OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.07, 5.10), p = 0.03)), wasting (OR 2.90 (95% CI 1.12, 7.49, p = 0.03)), and being underweight (OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.02, 2.29, p = 0.04)). The third and fourth most prevalent infections are T. trichiura and hookworm infections. Intestinal parasitic infections can occur very early in life and cause significant growth retardation. It is important to understand the prevalence and effects of infection based on the parasite species in order to implement therapeutic interventions and prevention controls.

Thymus, undernutrition, and infection: Approaching cellular and molecular interactions

Undernutrition remains a major issue in global health. Low protein-energy consumption, results in stunting, wasting and/or underweight, three deleterious forms of malnutrition that affect roughly 200 million children under the age of five years. Undernutrition compromises the immune system with the generation of various degrees of immunodeficiency, which in turn, renders undernourished individuals more sensitive to acute infections. The severity of various infectious diseases including visceral leishmaniasis (VL), influenza, and tuberculosis is associated with undernutrition. Immunosuppression resulting from protein-energy undernutrition severely impacts primary and secondary lymphoid organs involved in the response to related pathogens. The thymus-a primary lymphoid organ responsible for the generation of T lymphocytes-is particularly compromised by both undernutrition and infectious diseases. In this respect, we will discuss herein various intrathymic cellular and molecular interactions seen in undernutrition alone or in combination with acute infections. Many examples illustrated in studies on humans and experimental animals clearly revealed that protein-related undernutrition causes thymic atrophy, with cortical thymocyte depletion. Moreover, the non-lymphoid microenvironmental compartment of the organ undergoes important changes in thymic epithelial cells, including their secretory products such as hormones and extracellular matrix proteins. Of note, deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements also induce thymic atrophy. Interestingly, among the molecular interactions involved in the control of undernutrition-induced thymic atrophy is a hormonal imbalance with a rise in glucocorticoids and a decrease in leptin serum levels. Undernutrition also yields a negative impact of acute infections upon the thymus, frequently with the intrathymic detection of pathogens or their antigens. For instance, undernourished mice infected with Leishmania infantum (that causes VL) undergo drastic thymic atrophy, with significant reduction in thymocyte numbers, and decreased levels of intrathymic chemokines and cytokines, indicating that both lymphoid and microenvironmental compartments of the organ are affected. Lastly, recent data revealed that some probiotic bacteria or probiotic fermented milks improve the thymus status in a model of malnutrition, thus raising a new field for investigation, namely the thymus-gut connection, indicating that probiotics can be envisioned as a further adjuvant therapy in the control of thymic changes in undernutrition accompanied or not by infection.

Nutritional status and related factors among ethnic preschool children in Northern Thailand: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study investigated the nutritional status of ethnic (belonging to minority groups) preschool children in Northern Thailand.Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the sample group included 147 parents and 147 preschool children (2-6 years old). Participants volunteered to complete a questionnaire on the personal information of children and parents, as well as family- and school-related factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a nutritional status calculator, and logistic regression analysis.Results: A birth weight of less than 2,500 g was related to weight-for-age and weight-for-height. Not having been breastfed and having been breastfed for less than 6 months were related to weight-for-height. An elementary school education level among parents was related to children's height-for-age. Familial unhealthy food consumption for 1-2 days per week was related to weight-for-age and height-for-age.Conclusion: This study reflects the importance of nutritional care for children at the beginning of pregnancy and continuing to the preschool age, as well as the importance of breastfeeding. Families were found to be a key factor in supporting good nutrition among children.

Association of alcohol use and dietary lifestyle of commercial drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Alcohol intake, particularly to cope up with stress and depression experienced by commercial drivers during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, is alarming as a rise in sales has been reported in certain countries during the quarantine. Alcoholism leads to malnutrition, either because those involved consume an insufficient amount of essential nutrients or because alcohol and its metabolism prevent the body from properly absorbing, digesting, and using those nutrients. This study was carried out to assess the association of alcohol use and dietary lifestyle of commercial motor drivers during the pandemic.

RESULTS

The anthropometric studies revealed that 69.5% of the respondents fall within the range of 18.5-24.49 indicating that they have normal weights. 63.5% reported daily consumption of alcohol, and 51% claimed that it does not affect their appetite, while 64.5% of the respondent stated that alcohol does not present them with any health problems. There was no significant association between the consumption of alcohol and nutritional status (p > 0.05), but a significant association between dietary lifestyle patterns and the nutritional status of participants was recorded (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It is, therefore, essential that commercial drivers are given adequate information and guidance on improving their dietary lifestyle.

Child stunting starts in utero: Growth trajectories and determinants in Ugandan infants

Childhood stunting remains a public health burden worldwide. Although many studies have examined early life and in-utero risk factors; most have been observational and have used analytic techniques that make inferences limited to population means, thereby obscuring important within-group variations. This study addressed that important gap. Using data from a birth cohort of Ugandan infants (n = 4528), we applied group-based trajectory modelling to assess diverse patterns of growth among children from birth to 1-year old. A multinomial regression model was conducted to understand the relationship between risk factors and observed patterns across groups. We found that the onset of stunting occurred before birth and followed four distinct growth patterns: chronically stunted (Group 1), recovery (Group 2), borderline stunted (Group 3) and normal (Group 4). The average length-for-age z-score (LAZ) at birth was -2.6, -3.9, -0.6 and 0.5 for Groups 1-4, respectively. Although both Groups 1 and 2 were stunted at birth, stunting persisted in Group 1 while children in Group 2 recovered by the fourth month. Group 3 exhibited mild stunting while Group 4 was normal. Wasting and underweight were observed in all groups, with the highest prevalence of underweight in Group 1. Wasting gradually increased among children born already stunted (Groups 1 and 2). This showed the importance of distinguishing children by their growth patterns rather than aggregating them and only comparing population averages against global growth standards. The design of nutrition interventions should consider the differential factors and potential for growth gains relative to different risks within each group.

Intensive Health Care plus Vitamin D Administration Benefits the Growth and Development of Young Children and Reduces the Incidence of Nutritional Disorders

This study was intended to assess the effect of intensive health care plus vitamin D administration on the growth, development, and nutritional status of young children. Totally, 131 young children who were admitted to Shiyan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021 were included and assigned via the random number table method at a ratio of 1 : 1 : 1 to receive either vitamin D administration (vitamin D group, n = 42), intensive health care (IHC) (IHC group, n = 44), or vitamin D administration plus intensive health care (combination group, n = 45). All children received a normal diet and routine care. After the intervention, all children showed robust improvement in their height, weight, neuropsychological development, and nutritional status, in which the combination therapy was associated with better outcomes in terms of physical development, neuropsychological development, and nutritional status, and a higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-(OH)D3) level of the children versus monotherapy. Children receiving combined therapy had a significantly lower incidence of nutritional disorders than those receiving single therapy. Intensive health care plus vitamin D benefits the growth and development of young children and reduces the incidence of nutritional disorders in children.

Clinical standards for the dosing and management of TB drugs

BACKGROUND: Optimal drug dosing is important to ensure adequate response to treatment, prevent development of drug resistance and reduce drug toxicity. The aim of these clinical standards is to provide guidance on 'best practice´ for dosing and management of TB drugs.METHODS: A panel of 57 global experts in the fields of microbiology, pharmacology and TB care were identified; 51 participated in a Delphi process. A 5-point Likert scale was used to score draft standards. The final document represents the broad consensus and was approved by all participants.RESULTS: Six clinical standards were defined: Standard 1, defining the most appropriate initial dose for TB treatment; Standard 2, identifying patients who may be at risk of sub-optimal drug exposure; Standard 3, identifying patients at risk of developing drug-related toxicity and how best to manage this risk; Standard 4, identifying patients who can benefit from therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM); Standard 5, highlighting education and counselling that should be provided to people initiating TB treatment; and Standard 6, providing essential education for healthcare professionals. In addition, consensus research priorities were identified.CONCLUSION: This is the first consensus-based Clinical Standards for the dosing and management of TB drugs to guide clinicians and programme managers in planning and implementation of locally appropriate measures for optimal person-centred treatment to improve patient care.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and the Gut-Liver Axis: Exploring an Undernutrition Perspective

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic condition affecting one quarter of the global population. Although primarily linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome, undernutrition and the altered (dysbiotic) gut microbiome influence NAFLD progression. Both undernutrition and NAFLD prevalence are predicted to considerably increase, but how the undernourished gut microbiome contributes to hepatic pathophysiology remains far less studied. Here, we present undernutrition conditions with fatty liver features, including kwashiorkor and micronutrient deficiency. We then review the gut microbiota-liver axis, highlighting key pathways linked to NAFLD progression within both overnutrition and undernutrition. To conclude, we identify challenges and collaborative possibilities of emerging multiomic research addressing the pathology and treatment of undernourished NAFLD.

Development and Validation of a New Screening Tool with Non-Invasive Indicators for Assessment of Malnutrition Risk in Hospitalised Children

There is no evidence of the most effective nutritional screening tool for hospitalized children. The present study aimed to develop a quick, simple, and valid screening tool for identifying malnutrition risk of hospital admission with non-invasive indicators. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Children`s nutritional baseline using a questionnaire, subjective malnutritional risk, and Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment were assessed on admission. Concurrent validity was assessed using American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics assessment and Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment tool. A new screening tool Simple Pediatric Nutritional risk Screening tool (SPENS) was developed, and sensitivity, specificity and reliability were evaluated. A total of 180 children aged from 1 month to 18 years were included (142 in the development phase and 38 in the validation phase). SPENS consist of four variables and shows almost perfect agreement with subjective malnutritional risk assessment (κ = 0.837) with high sensitivity and specificity (93.3% and 91.3% respectively). Compared with Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment and ASPEN and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics assessment, SPENS had sensitivity 92.9% and 86.7%, a specificity of 87.5% and 87.0%, and an overall agreement of 0.78 and 0.728, respectively. Due to the fast, simple, easy, and practical to use, screening the SPENS can be performed by nurses, physicians, and dieticians.

Site specific incidence rate of genomic subtypes of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and association with enteric inflammation and child growth

There is a lack of information highlighting the possible association between the genomic subtypes of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) on environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) and on linear growth during childhood. Genomic subtypes of EPEC from stool samples collected from 1705 children enrolled in the MAL-ED birth cohort were detected by TaqMan Array Cards. We measured site-specific incidence rate by using Poisson regression models, identified the risk factors and estimated the association of genomic subtypes of EPEC with the composite EED score and linear growth at 24 months of age. In general, the highest incidence rate (39%) was found among children having aEPEC infection, which was the greatest in Tanzania (54%). Exclusive breastfeeding and having an improved sanitation facility were found to be protective factors against EPEC infection. In the multivariate models, in overall effect after adjusting for the potential covariates aEPEC showed strong positive associations with the EED scores and tEPEC showed a positive association with poor linear growth at 24 months of age. Our analyses may lay the cornerstone for a prospective epidemiologic investigation for a potential vaccine development aimed at reducing the burden of EPEC infections and combat childhood malnutrition.

Optimal iron content in ready-to-use therapeutic foods for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in the community settings: a protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The current standard of care for children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) involves using ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to promote growth; however, the precise formulation to achieve optimal recovery remains unclear. Emerging research suggests that alternative RUTF formulations may be more effective in correcting SAM-related complications such as anaemia and iron deficiency. This systematic review commissioned by the WHO aims to synthesise the most recent research on the iron content in RUTF and related products in the community-based treatment of uncomplicated severe malnutrition in children aged 6 months and older.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search multiple electronic databases. We will include randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies with a control arm. The intervention group will be infants who received RUTF treatments other than the current recommended guidelines set forth by the WHO. The comparison group is children receiving RUTF containing iron at the current WHO-recommended level of 1.9 mg/100 kcal (10-14 mg/100 g). The primary outcomes of interest include blood haemoglobin concentration, any anaemia, severe anaemia, iron-deficiency anaemia, recovery from SAM and any adverse outcomes. We will use meta-analysis to pool findings if sufficient homogeneity exists among included studies. The risk of bias in studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias-2. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation(GRADE) approach to examine the overall certainty of evidence.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This is a systematic review and will not involve direct contact with human subjects. The findings of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will guide the WHO's recommendation on the optimal iron content in RUTFs for the treatment of SAM in children aged 6-59 months.

Cutaneous signs of nutritional disorders

This review article focuses on the dermatologic manifestations of selected nutrient deficiencies, including protein-energy and micronutrient-related malnutrition. The various nutrient deficiencies presented may share common features. However, distinctive cutaneous signs may prompt clinicians to consider a nutritional cause and help distinguish a nutrient deficiency from other common dermatologic conditions. The recent reemergence of forgotten nutritional deficiencies, such as scurvy and pellagra, in the context of predisposing risk factors that may uniquely affect women more than men makes this topic timely. Recognition of nutritional disorders is important because appropriate treatment may reverse cutaneous signs and prevent irreversible sequelae.

Clinical Value of Prognostic Nutritional Index in Prediction of the Presence and Severity of Neonatal Sepsis

Purpose

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a common indicator of nutritional and inflammatory status and is associated with various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and infectious diseases. However, to date, no study has concentrated on the role of PNI in assessing and predicting the presence and severity of neonatal sepsis. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the association of the PNI with the presence and severity of neonatal sepsis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1196 neonates with suspected sepsis were enrolled in this study and their complete clinical and laboratory data were collected. PNI was calculated as serum albumin (g/L) + 5 × total lymphocyte count (10⁹/L). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for the presence and severity of neonatal sepsis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of PNI. All statistical analyses were performed using the statistical package SPSS 24.0.

Results

PNI was lower in neonates with sepsis and decreased significantly with the severity of sepsis. The correlation analysis demonstrated that the PNI was negatively correlated with the levels of the inflammatory marker procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and the length of hospital stay. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the PNI was independently and inversely associated with the presence and severity of neonatal sepsis. The area under the ROC curve of the PNI was 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61–0.67, P < 0.001) for severe sepsis and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.60–0.78, P < 0.001) for septic shock. In addition, our data revealed that PNI was also independently correlated with the length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

PNI is an independent predictor for the presence and severity of neonatal sepsis.

Prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors in young children in Malaysia: A nationwide survey

INTRODUCTION

Undernutrition in young children is a significant public health problem globally. We determined the prevalence of and factors predisposing to stunting and underweight in children aged 1 to 5 years in Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were extracted from a cross-sectional nationwide campaign involving healthy children aged 1-5 years conducted over a 4-month period in 2019. We obtained information on demography, parental height and risk factors of undernutrition and anthropometric measurements (height and weight) of children enrolled. Age and sex-specific z-score for length/height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), body mass index (BMI) z-score (BAZ) and weight-for-height/length (WFH) z-score (WFHZ) were obtained using World Health Organization growth standards. The following definitions were used: (a) HAZ < -2 SD as stunted and -2 to -1 SD as at risk of stunting; (b) WFHZ < -3 SD as severe, -3 to < -2 SD as moderate wasting, and -2 to < +1 SD as normal; (c) WAZ -2 to -1 as at risk of underweight; (d) BAZ +1 to < +2 SD as at risk of and > +2 SD as overweight.

RESULTS

Of the 15,331 children surveyed, prevalence of stunting and at risk of stunting were 16.1 and 20.0%, severe and moderate wasting were 4.0 and 6.1%, while 21.1% was at risk of underweight. Prevalence of at risk of and overweight 14.2 and 7.3%, respectively. One in fifth (25.0%) children had at least one form of undernutrition (stunting and/or underweight/wasting). Of the 1,412 (13.2%) children reported to have risk factors of undernutrition, 47.2% had feeding difficulties, 44.8% had poor dietary intake and 8.0% had both. Boys, paternal height < 156 cm and poor dietary intake were significantly associated with stunting and/or wasting. Compared with children with no risk factors, children with feeding difficulties were more likely to be wasted (AOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.18-1.85), and had at least one form of undernutrition (AOR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25-1.69).

CONCLUSIONS

In Malaysian children aged 1 to 5 years, dual burden of under- and overnutrition are common. Poor dietary intake and feeding difficulties were risk factors for undernutrition.

A local-ingredients-based supplement is an alternative to corn-soy blends plus for treating moderate acute malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Globally, moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) affects approximately 5% of children below five years of age. MAM is a persistent public health problem in Ethiopia. The current approach in Ethiopia for managing MAM is a supplementary feeding program; however, this is only provided to chronically food-insecure areas. The objective of the study was to compare a local-ingredients-based supplement (LIBS) with the standard corn-soy blend plus (CSB+) in treating MAM among children aged 6 to 59 months to test the hypothesis that the recovery rate achieved with LIBS will not be more than 7% worse than that achieved with CSB+.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We used an individual randomized controlled non-inferiority trial design with two arms, involving 324 children with MAM aged 6 to 59 months in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia. One hundred and sixty-two children were randomly assigned to each of the two arms. In the first arm, 125.2 g of LIBS with 8 ml of refined deodorized and cholesterol-free sunflower oil/day was provided. In the second arm, 150 g of CSB+ with 16 ml of refined deodorized and cholesterol-free sunflower oil/day was provided. Each child was provided with a daily ration of either LIBS or CSB+ for 12 weeks. Both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were done. ITT and PP analyses showed non-inferiority of LIBS compared with CSB+ for recovery rate [ITT risk difference = 4.9% (95% CI: -4.70, 14.50); PP risk difference = 3.7% (95% CI: -5.91, 13.31)]; average weight gain [ITT risk difference = 0.10 g (95% CI: -0.33 g, 0.53 g); PP risk difference = 0.04 g (95% CI: -0.38 g, 0.47 g)]; and recovery time [ITT risk difference = -2.64 days (95% CI: -8.40 days, 3.13 days); PP difference -2.17 days (95% CI: -7.97 days, 3.64 days]. Non-inferiority in MUAC gain and length/height gain was also observed in the LIBS group compared with the CSB+ group.

CONCLUSIONS

LIBS can be used as an alternative to the standard CSB+ for the treatment of MAM. Thus, the potential of scaling up the use of LIBS should be promoted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Pan-African Clinical Trial Registration number: PACTR201809662822990.