Systematic Review of Management of Moderate Wasting in Children over 6 Months of Age.

The effective management of the 33 million children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is key to reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. In this review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of specially formulated foods (SFFs) compared to non-food-based approaches to manage MAM in children >6 months old. We conducted a search on ten databases until 23 August 2021 and included five studies, covering 3387 participants. Meta-analysis of four studies comparing SFFs to counselling or standard of care showed that SFFs likely increase recovery rate, reduce non-response, and may improve weight-for-height z-score, weight-for-age z-score and time to recovery, but have little or no effect on MUAC gain. One study on a multicomponent intervention (SFFs, antibiotics and counselling provided to high-risk MAM) compared to counselling only was reported narratively. The intervention may increase weight gain after 24 weeks but may have little or no effect on weight gain after 12 weeks and on non-response and mortality after 12 and 24 weeks of enrollment. The effect of this intervention on recovery was uncertain. In conclusion, SFFs may be beneficial for children with moderate wasting in humanitarian contexts. Programmatic recommendations should consider context and cost-effectiveness.

Effectiveness of Dietary Management for Moderate Wasting among Children > 6 Months of Age-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Exploring Different Types, Quantities, and Durations.

Currently, no World Health Organization guidelines exist for the management of approximately 31.8 million moderately wasted children globally. The objective of this review was to synthesise evidence on the optimal type, quantity, and duration of dietary treatment for moderate wasting. Ten electronic databases were searched until the 23rd of August 2021. Experimental studies comparing interventions for the dietary management of moderate wasting were included. Meta-analyses were conducted and results were presented as risk ratios or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Seventeen studies comparing specially formulated foods were included involving 23,005 participants. Findings suggest little or no difference in recovery between Fortified Blended Foods (FBFs) with improved micronutrient and/or milk content (enhanced FBFs) and lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS), whereas children treated with non-enhanced FBFs (locally produced FBFs or standard corn-soy blend) may have lower recovery rates than those treated with LNS. There was no difference in recovery when ready-to-use therapeutic and ready-to-use supplementary food were compared. Other outcomes mostly aligned with results for recovery. In conclusion, LNSs improve recovery compared to non-enhanced FBFs, but are comparable to enhanced FBFs. Programmatic choice of supplement should consider factors such as cost, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability. Further research is required to determine optimal dosing and duration of supplementation.