CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOME OF SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN BELOW FIVE YEARS OF AGE: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Severe Acute Malnutrition remains a major public health problem among children in developing countries 
and contributes significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality.
Aim: To evaluate the clinical profile, associated infections, complications, and outcome of Severe Acute Malnutrition 
among hospitalized children below five years of age.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics during 2010 
among 120 children diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition. Clinical presentation, anthropometric measurements, 
associated infections, laboratory findings, complications, and outcomes were evaluated. Statistical analysis was 
performed using chi-square test and independent t-test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.