MALNUTRITION AMONG HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

摘要

Objectives: To measure the frequency of malnutrition among hospitalizedchildren with Nutritional Risk Score (NRS) 4 at presentation. The malnutrition in children oftendeteriorates due to stay in hospital. In order to prevent acute hospital-acquired malnutrition andits complications, the risk of nutritional depletion status needs to be identified at the time ofadmission so that appropriate nutritional intervention can be initiated at an early stage. StudyDesign: Descriptive case series study. Setting: This research project was carried-out in surgicalward of Paediatric unit, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad. Period: Oneyear from January 2016 to December 2017. Subjects & Methods: A total of 100 cases withNRS4 were selected, who got admitted to the surgical ward for 24 hours pre-surgery. Thepermission from the ethical committee of PIMS was sought before the commencement of theproject. Informed consent was obtained from parents/guardians. The interview was taken fromthe person, who had been with the patient most of the time during the last 24 hours (mother orthe care-taker). The height, weight was measured and BMI calculated. A complete assessmentof NRS was performed and following risk factors were evaluated i.e. food intake, pathologicalstress factors and difficulty retaining food. These risk factors were classified as mild, moderateand severe. All the data was collected on a proforma prepared for the said purpose. Results:The patients between 1-6 years of age were 53% (n=53); while 47 %( n=47) were between7-14 years of age. The mean age was 6.58+3.63 years out of which 54% (n=54) were maleand 46% (n=46) females. The frequency of malnutrition was recorded in 65% amongst thehospitalized children with NRS4 at presentation. Conclusion: The frequency of malnutritionis quite high, amongst hospitalized children with NRS4 at presentation. The cause of thismalnutrition /under--nutrition needs to be addressed, and guidelines may be adapted to controland minimize hospital related malnutrition.