Navigating the Clinical Landscape of Severe Acute Malnutrition in India’s Pediatric Demographic

Background: The consequences of malnutrition are increases in childhood death and future adult disability, including diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as well as enormous economic and human capital costs. According to UNICEF, one in three malnourished children in the world is Indian. It is estimated that reducing malnutrition could add some 3% to India’s GDP.4 Combating child malnutrition is of great public health importance to the future economic development and social well-being of countries, but there is very minimal information on the clinical profile and outcome of SAM.  Objectives: To study the Clinical Profile and Outcome of Severe Acute Malnutrition in children aged between 6 and 59 months.  Methodology: An Observational hospital-based time bound study includes 60 children of 6 to 59 months age satisfying inclusion criteria admitted in BCHI and Chigateri District Hospital. The children were classified according to WHO guidelines and managed according to standard WHO case management protocol and re-evaluation were done on a daily basis during the course of hospital stay. The outcome was assessed in term of improvement, number of days of hospitalization, residual problems at discharges, left against medical advice and number of deaths.  Results: Nearly all the subjects presented with visible wasting with eight for age <-3SD and MUAC, 11.5 cm. Half of the study population had incomplete immunization. Acute GE and ARI, anemia were the most common comorbidities and severe dehydration was the most complication seen. Majority i.e., 75 (75.8%) were discharged with target weight, 20 (20.2%) were discharged without reaching target weight and 4 (4%) were defaulters.  Interpretation & Conclusion: The study concluded that effective community-based program for early detection and treatment, most children with SAM can be cared for by their mothers and families at home while NRCs are reserved for children with SAM and medical complications.