Prevalence and risk factors for pediatric acute and chronic malnutrition: A multi-site tertiary medical center study in Thailand
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
09647058
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85151316377
Pubmed ID
36997490
Journal Title
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume
32
Issue
1
Start Page
85
End Page
92
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition Vol.32 No.1 (2023) , 85-92
Suggested Citation
Saengnipanthkul S., Apiraksakorn A., Densupsoontorn N., Chongviriyaphan N. Prevalence and risk factors for pediatric acute and chronic malnutrition: A multi-site tertiary medical center study in Thailand. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition Vol.32 No.1 (2023) , 85-92. 92. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202303_32(1).0013 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/82185
Title
Prevalence and risk factors for pediatric acute and chronic malnutrition: A multi-site tertiary medical center study in Thailand
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Malnutrition is a major public health concern that increases morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients, particularly those in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate its prevalence, risk factors, and impact on clinical outcomes in hospitalized children and adolescents. Methods and Study Design: We conducted a prospective cohort study in patients aged 1 month to 18 years who were admitted to four tertiary care hospitals between December 2018 and May 2019. We collected demographic data, clinical information, and nutritional assessment within 48 hours of admission. Results: A total of 816 patients with 883 admissions were included. Their median age was 5.3 years (interquartile range 9.3). Most patients (88.9%) were admitted with mild medical conditions (e.g., minor infection) or noninvasive procedures. The prevalence of overall malnutrition was 44.5%, while that of acute and chronic malnutrition was 14.3% and 23.6%, respectively. Malnutrition was significantly associated with age ≤2 years, preexisting diseases (cerebral palsy, chronic cardiac diseases, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia), and muscle wasting. Additional risk factors for chronic malnutrition included biliary atresia, intestinal malabsorption, chronic kidney disease, as well as inability to eat and decreased food intake for >7 days. Malnourished patients had a significantly longer hospitalization duration, higher hospital cost, and nosocomial infection rates than did well-nourished patients. Conclusions: Patients with chronic medical conditions on admission are at risk for malnutrition. Therefore, determination of admission nutritional status must be assessed, and its management are requisites for improved inpatient outcomes