Journal of Islamic International Medical College (Jan 2024)
Treatment Outcome of Kwashiorkor in Children as Per World Health Organization Guideline at Nutrition Stabilization Center Multan, Pakistan
Abstract
Objective: To assess the treatment outcomes and associated factors among children with kwashiorkor (Edematous Severe Acute Malnutrition) at Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre the Children Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Multan. Study Design: Retrospective Descriptive research. Place and Duration of Study: This study was planned at the nutritional rehabilitation center of The Children Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Multan from 01 January 2012 till 30 December 2020. Materials and Methods: The record register of stabilization center was utilized to gather the required information for the study. Baseline statistics and medical signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor, complications and treatment outcome of children were recorded. Patients of age 1 month to 60 months with kwashiorkor (weight/height less than -3SD with edema) were included who were treated according to WHO guidelines for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Results: during the year 2012-2020, a total of 2393 children were admitted with severe acute malnutrition out of which 222 (9.4%) were edematous SAM (Kwashiorkor). 222 kwashiorkor patients 25 (11.2%) were less than 6 months while 197(88.7%) were more than 6 months old. 120 (54%) were males and 102 (46%) were females. Out of total kwashiorkor patients, 40% presented with diarrhea, about 30% had pneumonia, hypoglycemia was recorded in 10% children, Urinary Tract Infection 15% and other diseases like celiac disease nephrotic syndrome and complication included the 5% of total. Almost 90% of patients recovered and got discharged and 8% passed away, only (2%) patients left against medical advice (LAMA). Conclusions: Kwashiorkor is the second most prevalent form of severe acute malnutrition in south Punjab and usually difficult to diagnose due to masking effects of edema. Kwashiorkor can be successfully managed by using the WHO guidelines for sever acute malnutrition. WHO guidelines also show treated patients discharged mostly with a lower percentage of mortality and comorbidities.
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