BMC Nutrition (Mar 2023)

The effect of short-term preoperative nutritional intervention for cleft surgery eligibility

  • Shady Mikhail,
  • Lily Chattopadhyay,
  • Melissa DiBona,
  • Charlotte Steppling,
  • Dede Kwadjo,
  • Anjaramamy Ramamonjisoa,
  • Wendy Gallardo,
  • Fatima Almendarez,
  • Beau Sylvester,
  • Samanta Rosales,
  • Ibrahim Nthalika,
  • Zachary J. Collier,
  • William Magee,
  • Allyn Auslander

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-023-00704-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract Background Children with orofacial clefts are highly susceptible to malnutrition, with severe malnutrition restricting their eligibility to receive safe surgery. Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) are an effective treatment for malnutrition; however, the effectiveness has not been demonstrated in this patient population prior to surgery. We studied the effectiveness of short-term RUTF use in transitioning children with malnutrition, who were initially ineligible for surgery, into surgical candidates. Methods A cohort of patients from Ghana, Honduras, Malawi, Madagascar, Nicaragua, and Venezuela enrolled in a nutrition program were followed by Operation Smile from June 2017 to January 2020. Age, weight, and length/height were tracked at each visit. Patients were included until they were sufficiently nourished (Z > = -1) with a secondary outcome of receiving surgery. The study was part of a collaborative program between Operation Smile (NGO), Birdsong Peanuts (peanut shellers and distributors), and MANA Nutrition (RUTF producer). Results A total of 556 patients were recruited between June 2017 and January 2020. At baseline 28.2% (n = 157) of patients were diagnosed with severe, 21.0% (n = 117) moderate, and 50.7% (n = 282) mild malnutrition. 324 (58.3%) presented for at least one return visit. Of those, 207 (63.7%) reached optimal nutrition status. By visit two, the mean z-score increased from -2.5 (moderate) to -1.7 (mild) (p < 0·001). The mean time to attain optimal nutrition was 6 weeks. There was a significant difference in the proportion of patients who improved by country(p < 0.001). Conclusion Malnutrition prevents many children with orofacial clefts in low- and middle-income countries from receiving surgical care even when provided for free. This creates an even larger disparity in access to surgery. In an average of 6 weeks with an approximate cost of $25 USD per patient, RUTF transitioned over 60% of patients into nutritionally eligible surgical candidates, making it an effective, short-term preoperative nutritional intervention. Through unique partnerships, the expansion of cost-effective, large-scale nutrition programs can play a pivotal role in ensuring those at the highest risk of living with unrepaired orofacial clefts receive timely and safe surgical care.

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