Risk factors for early occurrence of malnutrition in infants with severe congenital heart disease.

To identify the risk factors of early occurrence of malnutrition in infants with severe congenital heart disease (CHD) during their first year of life. Retrospective longitudinal multicenter study carried out from January 2014 to December 2020 in two tertiary care CHD centers. Four CHD hemodynamic groups were identified. Malnutrition was defined by a Waterlow score under 80% and/or underweight under -2 standard deviations. A total of 216 infants with a severe CHD, e.g., requiring cardiac surgery, cardiac catheterization, or hospitalization for heart failure during their first year of life, were included in the study. Malnutrition was observed among 43% of the cohort, with the highest prevalence in infants with increased pulmonary blood flow (71%) compared to the other hemodynamic groups (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, low birthweight (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44-0.89, p = 0.009), CHD with increased pulmonary blood flow (OR 4.80, 95% CI 1.42-16.20, p = 0.08), heart failure (OR 9.26, 95% CI 4.04-21.25, p < 0.001), and the number of hospitalizations (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08 l-1.69, p = 0.009) during the first year of life were associated with malnutrition (AUC 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.90).  Conclusions: In infants with a severe CHD, early occurrence of malnutrition during the first year of life affected a high proportion of subjects. CHD with increased pulmonary blood flow, low birthweight, heart failure, and repeated hospitalizations were risk factors for malnutrition. Further studies are required to identify optimal nutritional support in this population. What is Known: • Malnutrition is a known morbidity and mortality factor in children with severe congenital heart disease. What is New: • Early occurrence of malnutrition during the first year of life in infant severe congenital heart disease (CHD) was high (43%). • CHD with increased pulmonary blood flow, low birthweight, heart failure, and repeated hospitalizations during the first year of life were risk factors for malnutrition.

La desnutrición infantil en Ecuador. Una revisión de literatura / Child malnutrition in Ecuador. A literature review

La desnutrición infantil constituye un grave problema de salud, afectando los sectores sociales más desfavorecidos. La desnutrición causa disminución del crecimiento y del desempeño escolar, altera el estado bioquímico e incrementa la morbimortalidad infantil. Entre las principales causas de desnutrición están la dieta inadecuada, la presencia de infecciones que interfieren con la utilización adecuada de nutrientes, inequidad e insuficiente disponibilidad de alimentos. En América Latina, aproximadamente 2,3 millones de niños de 0 a 4 años se ven afectados por desnutrición moderada o grave y 8,8 millones presentan baja talla para su edad, con alta prevalencia de desnutrición crónica, lo que es atribuible a determinantes sociales, económicos y políticas de salud deficientes en la mayoría de países de la región. En Ecuador existe una prevalencia de desnutrición de 23,2%, situación que se agrava en el contexto rural, presentando más frecuencia en la Sierra (32%), la Costa (15,7%), la Amazonía (22,7%) y la zona Insular (5,8%), y aun cuando se han implementado programas de nutrición, los logros positivos de indicadores nutricionales, no han alcanzado impactar lo suficiente en algunas comunidades indígenas en las que se estima una tasa de desnutrición crónica infantil por encima de 50%. La presente investigación muestra los principales rasgos de la desnutrición infantil en Ecuador, partiendo de un diseño cualitativo, interpretativo y análisis documental con el objetivo de sistematizar el conocimiento y fortalecer las bases teórico-metodológicas de planes y estrategias necesarios para disminuir los efectos negativos de la desnutrición en el desarrollo infantil(AU)

Infant malnutrition constitutes a serious health problem, affecting the most disadvantaged social sectors. Malnutrition causes a decrease in growth and school performance, an alteration in the biochemical state and an increase in infant morbidity and mortality. Among the main causes of malnutrition are an inadequate diet, the presence of infections that interfere with the adequate use of nutrients, inequity, and insufficient food availability. In Latin America, approximately 2.3 million children aged 0 to 4 are affected by moderate or severe malnutrition and 8.8 million are short for their age, with a high prevalence of chronic malnutrition, which is attributable to social determinants economic, economic and health policies in most countries of the region. In Ecuador there is a prevalence of malnutrition of 23.2%, a situation that worsens in the rural context, presenting more frequency in the Sierra (32%), the Coast (15.7%), the Amazon (22.7%) and the Insular zone (5.8%), and even when nutrition programs have been implemented, the positive achievements of nutritional indicators have not had a sufficient impact on some indigenous communities in which a rate of chronic child malnutrition is estimated by above 50%. This research shows the main features of child malnutrition in Ecuador, starting from a qualitative, interpretive design and documentary analysis with the aim of systematizing knowledge and strengthening the theoretical-methodological bases of plans and strategies necessary to reduce the negative effects of the malnutrition in child development(AU)

Nutrition gap in children, urban-rural: the key education and food. Colombia, 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the nutritional situation of children under five years old from both urban and rural areas of Colombia. METHOD: Analytical study, based on cross-sectional data, collected from ENSIN-2015. The sample consisted of 12,256 children aged between 0 and 4 years old. We calculated the prevalence ratios (PR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI). PR were assessed by binomial regression models with malnutrition or overweight as the dependent variable and geographic area as the explanatory variable. We used context variables to adjust the estimated PR and control the confounder within. RESULTS: Acute malnutrition (weight-for-height) had a prevalence of 1.6%, while overweight had a 5.6% rate. No differences per geographic zone in the weight-for-height indicator were found. Stunted growth - chronic malnutrition - was higher in the rural area (PR = 1.2; 95%CI 1-1.53; p = 0.050). Prevalences adjusted by variables related to structural, social and economic developement showed that both the household chief's educational level and the food insecurity of the area account for malnutrition. CONCLUSION: The height-for-age indicator works better to establish development level. Measures against coverage, relevance and quality of education and access to food can harm the nutritional status of the children.

Micronutrient deficiencies in pediatric short bowel syndrome: a 10-year review from an intestinal rehabilitation center in China.

PURPOSE: Vitamins and trace elements are essential nutrients for growth and intestinal adaptation in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). This study aimed to assess micronutrients' status during and after weaning off PN in pediatric SBS. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated the follow-up of 31 children with SBS between Jan 2010 and Sep 2019. Clinical data were reviewed from the patients' electric medical record. Serum electrolytes, trace elements, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate concentrations were collected before and after enteral autonomy. RESULTS: Thirty-one SBS cases were reviewed (median onset age 11 days after birth, 51.6% boys, mean PN duration 4 months, and mean residual small intestine length 58.2 cm). Median duration of follow-up was 10 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 4, 19). The common micronutrient deficiencies were zinc (51.6%), copper (38.7%), vitamin D (32.3%), and phosphorus (25.8%) after the transition to EN. The proportion of patients deficient in vitamin D decreased dramatically from 93.5% to 32.3% (P < 0.001), and serum concentrations of vitamin D increased significantly (27.4 ± 12.3 vs. 60.3 ± 32.9 nmol/l, P = 0.03) after achieving full enteral feeding more than 1 month. Additionally, serum magnesium levels significantly increased (0.76 ± 0.17 vs. 0.88 ± 0.14 mmol/l, P = 0.03). Hemoglobin levels elevated significantly after weaning off PN (104.3 ± 10.7 vs. 117.8 ± 13.7 g/l, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Micronutrient deficiencies remain a common problem in pediatric SBS through intestinal rehabilitation. Therefore, we strongly recommend supplementation of more vitamin D and trace elements (zinc, copper, and phosphorus) under regular monitoring during long-term intestinal rehabilitation.

Defining diet quality: a synthesis of dietary quality metrics and their validity for the double burden of malnutrition.

Achieving most of the UN Sustainable Development Goals requires a strong focus on addressing the double burden of malnutrition, which includes both diet-related maternal and child health (MCH) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Although, the most optimal dietary metric for assessing malnutrition remains unclear. Our aim was to review available global dietary quality metrics (hereafter referred to as dietary metrics) and evidence for their validity to assess MCH and NCD outcomes, both separately and together. A systematic search of PubMed was done to identify meta-analyses or narrative reviews evaluating validity of diet metrics in relation to nutrient adequacy or health outcomes. We identified seven dietary metrics aiming to address MCH and 12 for NCDs, no dietary metrics addressed both together. Four NCD dietary metrics (Mediterranean Diet Score, Alternative Healthy Eating Index, Healthy Eating Index, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) had convincing evidence of protective associations with specific NCD outcomes, mainly mortality, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and total cancer. The remaining NCD dietary metrics and all MCH dietary metrics were not convincingly validated against MCH or NCD health outcomes. None of the dietary metrics had been validated against both MCH and NCD outcomes. These findings highlight major gaps in assessing and addressing diet to achieve global targets and effective policy action.

Early-Life Famine Exposure and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Later Life: Findings From the REACTION Study.

Background Previous studies reported that early-life exposure to undernutrition is associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in adulthood, but the association with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life remains unclear. The current study aimed to investigate whether exposure to Chinese famine in early life is associated with risk of CVD. Methods and Results We used data from REACTION (Risk Evaluation of Cancers in Chinese Diabetic Individuals: A Longitudinal Study), which recruited a total of 259 657 community-dwelling adults aged 40 years or older from 25 centers across mainland China between 2011 and 2012. Compared with the nonexposed participants, those who had been exposed to famine in early life had a significantly increased risk of total CVD, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary heart disease. In the multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model, the odds ratios (95% CI) for total CVD, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary heart disease in fetal famine exposure were 1.35 (1.20-1.52), 1.59 (1.08-2.35), 1.40 (1.11-1.78), and 1.44 (1.26-1.65), respectively; those odds ratios in childhood famine exposure were 1.59 (1.40-1.81), 2.20 (1.52-3.20), 1.82 (1.45-2.28), and 1.80 (1.56-2.09), respectively; and those in adolescent famine exposure were 1.52 (1.27-1.81), 2.07 (1.28-3.35), 1.92 (1.42-2.58), and 1.83 (1.50-2.24), respectively. The main finding of our study is that, compared with those who lived in the less severely affected famine area, individuals in the severely affected famine area had significantly increased risk of total CVD in all 3 exposed groups. Conclusions Early-life exposure to undernutrition is associated with significantly increased risk of CVD in later life, especially among those who were in the severely affected famine area.

Delayed Resolution of Feeding Problems in Patients With Congenital Hyperinsulinism.

Background: Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI) is the most common cause of recurrent and severe hypoglycaemia in childhood. Feeding problems occur frequently in severe CHI but long-term persistence and rates of resolution have not been described. Methods: All patients with CHI admitted to a specialist center during 2015-2016 were assessed for feeding problems at hospital admission and for three years following discharge, through a combination of specialist speech and language therapy review and parent-report at clinical contact. Results: Twenty-five patients (18% of all patients admitted) with CHI were prospectively identified to have feeding problems related to sucking (n = 6), swallowing (n = 2), vomiting (n = 20), and feed aversion (n = 17) at the time of diagnosis. Sixteen (64%) patients required feeding support by nasogastric/gastrostomy tubes at diagnosis; tube feeding reduced to 4 (16%) patients by one year and 3 (12%) patients by three years. Feed aversion resolved slowly with mean time to resolution of 240 days after discharge; in 15 patients followed up for three years, 6 (24%) continued to report aversion. The mean time (days) to resolution of feeding problems was lower in those who underwent lesionectomy (n = 4) than in those who did not (30 vs. 590, p = 0.009) and significance persisted after adjustment for associated factors (p = 0.015). Conclusion: Feeding problems, particularly feed aversion, are frequent in patients with CHI and require support over several years. By contrast, feeding problems resolve rapidly in patients with focal CHI undergoing curative lesionectomy, suggesting the association of feeding problems with hyperinsulinism.

Nutrition gap in children, urban-rural: the key education and food. Colombia, 2015 / Brecha nutricional en niños, urbano-rural: educación y alimentos, la clave. Colombia, 2015

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the nutritional situation of children under five years old from both urban and rural areas of Colombia. METHOD: Analytical study, based on cross-sectional data, collected from ENSIN-2015. The sample consisted of 12,256 children aged between 0 and 4 years old. We calculated the prevalence ratios (PR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI). PR were assessed by binomial regression models with malnutrition or overweight as the dependent variable and geographic area as the explanatory variable. We used context variables to adjust the estimated PR and control the confounder within. RESULTS: Acute malnutrition (weight-for-height) had a prevalence of 1.6%, while overweight had a 5.6% rate. No differences per geographic zone in the weight-for-height indicator were found. Stunted growth - chronic malnutrition - was higher in the rural area (PR = 1.2; 95%CI 1-1.53; p = 0.050). Prevalences adjusted by variables related to structural, social and economic developement showed that both the household chief's educational level and the food insecurity of the area account for malnutrition. CONCLUSION: The height-for-age indicator works better to establish development level. Measures against coverage, relevance and quality of education and access to food can harm the nutritional status of the children.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO: Analizar el estado de nutrición en menores de cinco años de áreas urbanas y rurales en Colombia. MÉTODOS: Estudio analítico, con base en datos de corte transversal, recolectados por la ENSIN-2015. La muestra fue de 12.256 niños colombianos entre cero y cuatro años. Se calcularon razones de prevalencia (RP) y sus respectivos intervalos al 95% de confianza (IC95%). Las RP se obtuvieron de modelos de regresión binomial con el déficit o el exceso, como la variable dependiente y la zona geográfica como la principal explicación. Variables del contexto se utilizaron para ajustar las RP estimadas y limpiar el efecto confusor de éstas. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de desnutrición aguda (peso/talla) fue de 1,6%, la de exceso de 5,6%. No existieron diferencias por zona geográfica, en el indicador (peso/talla). El retraso talla/edad - desnutrición crónica - fue mayor en la zona rural (RP = 1,2; IC95% 1,00-1,53; p = 0,050). Las prevalencias ajustadas por variables que dan cuenta del desarrollo estructural, social y económico, mostraron que la escolaridad del jefe y la inseguridad alimentaria del hogar explican la desnutrición. CONCLUSIONES: El indicador talla/edad es el mejor para establecer el nivel de desarrollo. Medidas contra la cobertura, pertinencia, calidad en la educación y el acceso a los alimentos impactarán negativamente el estado de nutrición en los niños.

Análisis de la implementación del Programa Alimentario Nutricional Integral (PANI), en niños menores de 5 años desnutridos y con riesgo de desnutrición de la Unidad de Salud Familiar "Ita Ka´Aguy", Fernando de la Mora. 2015 - 2017 / IMPACT OF THE INTEGRAL NUTRITIONAL FOOD PROGRAM (PANI), IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OLD AND WITH RISK OF NURSING THE FAMILY HEALTH UNIT "ITA KA´AGUY", FERNANDO DE LA MORA. 2015 - 2017

La infancia es considerada como una etapa trascendental en el proceso evolutivo del hombre, caracterizada por dos fenómenos: crecimiento y desarrollo, por tanto es fundamental una adecuada nutrición. Con relación a este aspecto, el programa de complementación nutricional denominado PANI (Programa Ampliado Nutricional Integral), se implementa, para garantizar la atención oportuna de niños desnutridos y en riesgo de desnutrición y evitar otros factores de riesgo que puedan poner en peligro a esta población vulnerable. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de la implementación del programa PANI en niños menores de 5 años desnutridos y con riesgo de desnutrición en la Unidad de Salud Familiar ItáKa´aguy, durante el periodo 2015 a 2017. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal, en donde se evaluó a 74 niños menores de 5 años desnutridos y con riesgos de desnutrición, que fueron atendidos en la Unidad de Salud Familiar ItáKa´aguy, (Fernando de la Mora, XIa Región Sanitaria - Central). Se implementó con ellos el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional y luego de 2 años se compararon los resultados de la evaluación inicial, con las actuales. Resultados: Se resalta que, previo a la intervención sólo 4 niños tuvieron un peso adecuado; 19 niños se encontraban en estado de desnutrición; 6 niños se encontraban en el nivel de peso no adecuado y 40 niños se encontraban en "Riesgo de desnutrición". Mientras que posterior a la implementación del programa, 62 niños obtuvieron el peso adecuado a su edad; 3 niños se mantuvieron con signos clínicos de desnutrición y 4 niños manifestaron riesgo de desnutrición. Conclusión: se encontró que el PANI ha contribuido a mejorar de la desnutrición en los niños y niñas, como en el peso acorde con la edad, pero no así en aspectos como talla y el edema, por lo que se concluye que el impacto ha sido medio. Palabras Clave: Nutrición de los Grupos de Riesgo, Programas y Políticas de Nutrición y Alimentación,

The childhood is considered as a transcendental stage in the evolutionary process of man, characterized by two phenomena: growth and development, therefore proper nutrition is essential. In relation to this aspect, the nutritional complementation program called PANI (Comprehensive Nutritional Extended Program), is implemented to ensure timely care of malnourished children at risk of malnutrition and avoid other risk factors that may endanger this population vulnerable. Objective: To analyze the impact of the implementation of the PANI program in children under 5 years of age undernourished and at risk of malnutrition in the ItáKa'aguy Family Health Unit, during the period 2015 to 2017. Methodology: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted, cross-sectional, in which 74 under-5 undernourished children with risk of malnutrition were evaluated, who were attended in the ItáKa'aguy Family Health Unit (Fernando de la Mora, XIa Sanitary - Central Region). The Nutritional Assistance Program was implemented with them and after 2 years the results of the initial evaluation were compared with the current ones. Results: It is highlighted that, prior to the intervention, only 4 children had an adequate weight, 19 children were in malnutrition, 6 children were at the unsuitable weight level and 40 children were at risk of malnutrition; while after the implementation of the program, 62 children obtained the appropriate weight at their age, 3 children remained with clinical signs of malnutrition and 4 children showed risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: it was found that PANI has contributed to improve malnutrition in boys and girls, as in weight according to age, but not in aspects such as height and edema, so it is concluded that the impact has been medium.

Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária de Menores de um ano, de 2008 a 2014, no estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Primary Health Care-Sensitive Hospitalizations in children under one year of age, from 2008 to 2014, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Resumo Este estudo teve o objetivo de descrever as causas e as tendências de Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária (ICSAP) em menores de um ano, entre 2008 e 2014, no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de um delineamento ecológico, baseado em dados secundários do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares. Classificaram-se as internações segundo o diagnóstico principal e a Lista Brasileira de ICSAP, considerando as seguintes faixas etárias: Neonatais precoce, Neonatal tardia e Pós-neonatal. Para a análise de tendência das internações foram ajustados modelos de regressão linear. Ocorreram 851.713 internações de Menores de um ano, sendo 22,6% por ICSAP. As principais reduções das frequências de internação foram: Pneumonias bacterianas (-7,10%) e Desvios nutricionais (-7,70) em Neonatal precoce. As elevações foram: Doenças relacionadas ao pré-natal e parto (+10,14%) e Doenças imunizáveis e condições evitáveis em Pós-neonatal (+14,13%), com destaque para coqueluche e sífilis congênita. Os resultados mostram uma deficiência no cuidado à saúde infantil na atenção primária no estado de São Paulo, enquanto que as tendências de internações estimadas podem auxiliar no planejamento de estratégias para diminuir os agravos e os gastos no setor terciário de atenção em saúde.

Abstract The scope of this article is to describe the trends of primary health care-sensitive (PHC) hospitalizations in children under one year of age between 2008 and 2014 in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. It is an ecological study with descriptive and analytical characteristics, based on secondary data from the national health information system. Hospitalizations were classified according to the Brazilian list of PHC hospitalizations considering the Early Neonatal, Late Neonatal and Post-Neonatal age groups. Linear regression models were adjusted for trend analysis of the 851,713 hospitalizations of children under one year of age analyzed, of which 22.6% were PHC-related. The main groups with decreases were: Bacterial pneumonia (-7.10%) and Nutritional disorders (-7.70%) in the Early neonatal phase. The main increases were: Disease related to prenatal/childbirth (+10.14%) and Immunosuppressive diseases and avoidable conditions in Post-neonatal (+14.13%) infants, among which pertussis and congenital syphilis were the main causes of hospitalization. The results showed a deficiency in the primary health care system for infants in the State of Sao Paulo. The estimated trends should be used for planning cost-effective strategies to prevent and control causes of hospitalization in children under one year of age.

Impact on child acute malnutrition of integrating a preventive nutrition package into facility-based screening for acute malnutrition during well-baby consultation: A cluster-randomized controlled trial in Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) is a highly efficacious approach for treating acute malnutrition (AM) in children who would otherwise be at significantly increased risk of mortality. In program settings, however, CMAM's effectiveness is limited because of low screening coverage of AM, in part because of the lack of perceived benefits for caregivers. In Burkina Faso, monthly screening for AM of children <2 years of age is conducted during well-baby consultations (consultation du nourrisson sain [CNS]) at health centers. We hypothesized that the integration of a preventive package including age-appropriate behavior change communication (BCC) on nutrition, health, and hygiene practices and a monthly supply of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) to the monthly screening would increase AM screening and treatment coverage and decrease the incidence and prevalence of AM. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We used a cluster-randomized controlled trial and allocated 16 health centers to the intervention group and 16 to a comparison group. Both groups had access to standard CMAM and CNS services; caregivers in the intervention group also received age-appropriate monthly BCC and SQ-LNS for children >6 months of age. We used two study designs: (1) a repeated cross-sectional study of children 0-17 months old (n = 2,318 and 2,317 at baseline and endline 2 years later) to assess impacts on AM screening coverage, treatment coverage, and prevalence; (2) a longitudinal study of 2,113 children enrolled soon after birth and followed up monthly for 18 months to assess impacts on AM screening coverage, treatment coverage, and incidence. Data were analyzed as intent to treat. Level of significance for primary outcomes was α = 0.016 after adjustment for multiple testing. Children's average age was 8.8 ± 4.9 months in the intervention group and 8.9 ± 5.0 months in the comparison group at baseline and, respectively, 0.66 ± 0.32 and 0.67 ± 0.33 months at enrollment in the longitudinal study. Relative to the comparison group, the intervention group had significantly higher monthly AM screening coverage (cross-sectional study: +18 percentage points [pp], 95% CI 10-26, P < 0.001; longitudinal study: +23 pp, 95% CI 17-29, P < 0.001). There were no impacts on either AM treatment coverage (cross-sectional study: +8.0 pp, 95% CI 0.09-16, P = 0.047; longitudinal study: +7.7 pp, 95% CI -1.2 to 17, P = 0.090), AM incidence (longitudinal study: incidence rate ratio = 0.98, 95% CI 0.75-1.3, P = 0.88), or AM prevalence (cross-sectional study: -0.46 pp, 95% CI -4.4 to 3.5, P = 0.82). A study limitation is the referral of AM cases (for ethical reasons) by study enumerators as part of the monthly measurement in the longitudinal study that may have attenuated the detectable impact on AM treatment coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Adding a preventive package to CMAM delivered at health facilities in Burkina Faso increased participation in monthly AM screening, thus overcoming a major impediment to CMAM effectiveness. The lack of impact on AM treatment coverage and on AM prevalence and incidence calls for research to address the remaining barriers to uptake of preventive and treatment services at the health center and to identify and test complementary approaches to bring integrated preventive and CMAM services closer to the community while ensuring high-quality implementation and service delivery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02245152.

Impact on child acute malnutrition of integrating small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements into community-level screening for acute malnutrition: A cluster-randomized controlled trial in Mali.

BACKGROUND: Community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) has been widely adopted to treat childhood acute malnutrition (AM), but its effectiveness in program settings is often limited by implementation constraints, low screening coverage, and poor treatment uptake and adherence. This study addresses the problem of low screening coverage by testing the impact of distributing small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) at monthly screenings held by community health volunteers (CHVs). Screening sessions included behavior change communication (BCC) on nutrition, health, and hygiene practices (both study arms) and SQ-LNSs (one study arm). Impact was assessed on AM screening and treatment coverage and on AM incidence and prevalence. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial in 48 health center catchment areas in the Bla and San health districts in Mali was conducted from February 2015 to April 2017. In both arms, CHVs led monthly AM screenings in children 6-23 months of age and provided BCC to caregivers. The intervention arm also received a monthly supply of SQ-LNSs to stimulate caregivers' participation and supplement children's diet. We used two study designs: i) a repeated cross-sectional study (n = approximately 2,300) with baseline and endline surveys to examine impacts on AM screening and treatment coverage and prevalence (primary study outcomes) and ii) a longitudinal study of children enrolled at 6 months of age (n = 1,132) and followed monthly for 18 months to assess impact on AM screening and treatment coverage and incidence (primary study outcomes). All analyses were done by intent to treat. The intervention significantly increased AM screening coverage (cross-sectional study: +40 percentage points [pp], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 32, 49, p < 0.001; longitudinal study: +28 pp, 95% CI: 23, 33, p < 0.001). No impact on treatment coverage or AM prevalence was found. Children in the intervention arm, however, were 29% (95% CI: 8, 46; p = 0.017) less likely to develop a first AM episode (incidence) and, compared to children in comparison arm, their overall risk of AM (longitudinal prevalence) was 30% (95% CI: 12, 44; p = 0.002) lower. The intervention lowered CMAM enrollment by 10 pp (95% CI: 1.9, 18; p = 0.016), an unintended negative impact likely due to CHVs handing out preventive SQ-LNSs to caregivers of AM children instead of referring them to the CMAM program. Study limitations were i) the referral of AM cases by our research team (for ethical reasons) during monthly measurements in the longitudinal study might have interfered with usual CMAM activities and ii) the outcomes presented by child age also reflect seasonal variations because of the closed cohort design. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating SQ-LNSs into monthly community-level AM screenings and BCC sessions was highly effective at improving screening coverage and reducing AM incidence, but it did not improve AM prevalence or treatment coverage. Future evaluation and implementation research on CMAM should carefully assess and tackle the remaining barriers that prevent AM cases from being correctly diagnosed, referred, and adequately treated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02323815.

Infant burns: A single institution retrospective review.

Thermal injuries amongst infants are common and a cause of significant mortality and morbidity in South Africa. This has been attributed to the lack of an enabling environment (poverty-related lack of safe living conditions) and the cognitive and physical developmental immaturity of infants, who depend on their surroundings and adults to keep them safe. This is a retrospective observational study of 548 infant admissions over 48 months. Infant was defined as children below 13 months of age. The 548 infants constituted 23% of all paediatric burn admissions of ages 0-12 years. Three hundred and fourteen were males (57%) and 234 (42.7%) females. The infants were divided in a pre-ambulatory group of 143 (26%) infants of 0-6 months and an ambulatory group of 7 months to 12 months consisting of 457 (83.3%). The total body surface area (TBSA) ranged from 2-65%. Seventy-six percent (417 infants) occurred in the home environment. Scalds accounted for 86% (471 infants) and 6% (33 infants) were as a result of flame burns. Non-accidental injuries accounted for 1.2%. The anatomical distributions varied between the pre-ambulatory and ambulatory groups. Conservative management was done in 397 (72.4%) and 101(18.4%) infants underwent surgery. Infection was suspected in 76 (13.5%) infants with positive blood cultures in 15(20%) of the 76. ICU care was received in 46 (8.3%) infants and 15 (32.6%) of these had inhalation injuries. Of the inhalation injuries 11(23.9%) infants underwent mechanical ventilation of an average of 4.4 days. Ventilator associated pneumonia was diagnosed in 8(17%) of the ventilated children. The mortality rate was 0.36%. The surgically treated patients acquired more complications than the conservatively treated group. Special treatment considerations should be considered in this paediatric sub-group.

Neonatal, infant and child health in South Africa: Reflecting on the past towards a better future.

Although the neonatal mortality rate in South Africa (SA) has remained stagnant at 12 deaths per 1 000 live births, the infant and under-5 mortality rates have significantly declined since peaking in 2003. Policy changes that have influenced this decline include policies to prevent vertical HIV transmission, earlier treatment of children living with HIV, expanded immunisation policies, strengthening breastfeeding practices, and health policies to contain tobacco and sugar use. The Sustainable Development Goals (2016 - 2030) have shifted the focus from keeping children alive, as expressed in the Millennium Development Goals (1990 - 2015), to achieving optimal health through the 'Survive, thrive and transform' global agenda. This paper focuses on important remaining causes of childhood mortality and morbidity in SA, specifically respiratory illness, environmental pollution, tuberculosis, malnutrition and vaccine-preventable conditions. The monitoring of maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes is crucial, and has improved in SA through both the District Health Information and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics systems, although gaps remain. Intermittent surveys and research augment the routinely collected data. However, availability and use of local data to inform quality and effectiveness of care is critical, and this requires ownership at the collection point to facilitate local redress. Potential game changers to improve MCH outcomes include mobile health and community-based interventions. In SA, improved MCH remains a crucial factor for human capital development. There is a pressing need to focus beyond childhood mortality and to ensure that each child thrives.

Alimentação complementar, consumo de alimentos industrializados e estado nutricional de crianças menores de 3 anos em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2016: um estudo descritivo / Alimentación complementaria, consumo de alimentos industrializados y estado nutricional de niños menores de 3 años en Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2016: un estudio descriptivo / Complementary feeding, consumption of industrialized foods and nutritional status of children under 3 years old in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2016: a descriptive study

Objetivo: verificar como e quando a alimentação complementar (AC) se inicia, seu perfil, o consumo de industrializados e o estado nutricional de crianças de 1-3 anos. Métodos: foram avaliadas crianças matriculadas em escolas públicas de Pelotas, RS, Brasil; utilizaram-se os indicadores de estatura/idade, peso/idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC)/idade. Um questionário estruturado aplicado aos pais/cuidadores. A AC foi considerada precoce quando iniciada antes dos 6 meses. Os dados foram apresentados de forma descritiva. Resultados: 79 crianças foram avaliadas, 13 apresentaram sobrepeso e 6 obesidade; 11 acusaram peso elevado para a idade. A média para início da AC foi de 5,3 meses. Enquanto menores de 6 meses, 43% receberam gelatina e 12,7% suco de caixinha; quando na idade de 6-24 meses, 96,2% receberam biscoito recheado e 91,1% salgadinho. Conclusão: a AC e o consumo de alimentos industrializados iniciaram-se precocemente; obesidade e sobrepeso foram mais prevalentes que desnutrição.

Objetivo: evaluar como y cuando comienza la alimentación complementaria (AC), su perfil, consumo de alimentos procesados y estado nutricional de niños de 1-3 años. Métodos: se evaluaron niños matriculados en escuelas públicas de Pelotas, RS, Brasil; se utilizaron los índices de longitud/estatura/edad, peso/edad e índice de masa corporal (IMC)/edad, y un cuestionario estructurado aplicado a los padres/cuidadores; la AC fue considerada precoz cuando empezó antes de los seis meses; los datos se presentaron de modo descriptivo. Resultados: 79 niños fueron evaluados, 13 presentaron sobrepeso y 6 obesidad; 11 presentaron peso elevado para la edad; el promedio para el inicio de la AC fue de 5,3 meses; en cuanto a menores de 6 meses, 43% recibieron gelatina y 12,7% jugo de caja; a los 6-24 meses, 96,2% recibieron galletitas rellenas y 91,1% snacks salados. Conclusión: la AC y el consumo de alimentos industrializados comenzaron precozmente; obesidad y sobrepeso fueron más prevalentes que la desnutrición.

Objective: to verify how and when complementary feeding (CF) begins, its profile, consumption of processed foods and nutritional status of children aged 1-3 years. Methods: children enrolled at public schools in Pelotas, RS, Brazil, were evaluated; length/height-for-age and weight-for-age scores, and body mass index (BMI)/age were used, and a structured questionnaire was administered to parents/caregivers; CF was considered early when started before the age of six months; data were presented in a descriptive way. Results: 79 children were evaluated, of whom 13 were overweight and 6 obese; 11 had high weight-for-age; mean age for beginning CF was 5.3 months; when aged <6 months, 43% received gelatin, and 12.7% juice from cartons; when aged 6-24 months, 96.2% received filled biscuits and 91.1% salty snacks. Conclusion: CF and consumption of processed foods began early; obesity and overweight were more prevalent than malnutrition.

Marcadores de consumo alimentar e baixo peso em crianças menores de 6 meses acompanhadas no Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional, Brasil, 2015 / Marcadores de consumo alimentario y bajo peso en menores de 6 meses, acompañados por el Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional, Brasil, 2015 / Food intake and underweight markers in children under 6 months old monitored via the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, Brazil, 2015

Objetivo: investigar a frequência de aleitamento materno exclusivo, a introdução precoce de outros alimentos e a associação com o baixo peso em crianças brasileiras. Métodos: analisaram-se registros de menores de 6 meses com dados inseridos no Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional em 2015; investigaram-se associações, por regressão de Poisson. Resultados: encontraram-se prevalências de aleitamento exclusivo, 56,1% (IC95% 55,3;56,8), baixo peso para idade, 8,1% (IC95% 7,7;8,5), e baixo índice de massa corporal (IMC) para idade, 5,7% (IC95% 5,3;6,7); agua ou chás e fórmulas infantis foram os alimentos introduzidos mais precocemente; crianças em aleitamento materno exclusivo apresentaram menor prevalência de baixo peso (RP=0,73 - IC95% 0,61;0,87) e de baixo IMC (RP=0,69 - IC95% 0,56;0,85); o consumo de fórmulas infantis se associou ao deficit de peso (RP=1,35 - IC95% 1,15;1,58). Conclusão: reforçou-se a importância do aleitamento materno exclusivo para o adequado crescimento até os 6 meses.

Objetivo: investigar la frecuencia de la lactancia materna exclusiva, la introducción precoz de otros alimentos y su asociación con el bajo peso en niños brasileños. Métodos: se analizaron registros de menores de seis meses con datos insertados en el Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional en 2015; se investigaron las asociaciones por medio de la Regresión de Poisson. Resultados: se hallaron prevalencias de lactancia exclusiva, 56,1% (IC95% 55,3;56,8), bajo peso para la edad, 8,1% (IC95% 7,7;8,5), y bajo Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) para la edad, 5,7% (IC95% 5,3;6,7); agua o tés y fórmulas infantiles fueron los alimentos introducidos más precozmente; los niños en lactancia materna exclusiva presentaron menor prevalencia de bajo peso (RP=0,73 - IC95% 0,61;0,87) y de bajo IMC (RP=0,69 - IC95% 0,56;0,85); el consumo de fórmulas se asoció al deficit de peso (RP=1,35 - IC95% 1,15;1,58). Conclusión: se ha reforzado la importancia de la lactancia materna exclusiva para el adecuado crecimiento has los 6 meses.

Objective: to investigate the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding, early introduction of other foods and association with prevalence of low weight in Brazilian children. Methods: we analyzed records of children under 6 months of age held on the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System for the year 2015; associations were investigated through Poisson Regression. Results: we found prevalence of 56.1% (95%CI 55.3;56.8) for exclusive breastfeeding, 8.1% (95%CI 7.7;8.5) for low weight for age, and 5.7% (95%CI 5.3;6.7) for low BMI for age; water or teas and infant formulas were the earliest foods introduced; underweight prevalence was lower (PR=0.73 - 95%CI 0.61;0.87) as was prevalence of low BMI (PR=0.69 - 95%CI 0.56;0.85) among exclusively breastfed infants; infant formula intake was associated with low weight (PR=1.35 - 95%CI 1.15;1.58). Conclusion: the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for adequate growth in the first 6 months of life was reinforced.

The association of malaria morbidity with linear growth, hemoglobin, iron status, and development in young Malawian children: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although poor complementary feeding is associated with poor child growth, nutrition interventions only have modest impact on child growth, due to high burden of infections. We aimed to assess the association of malaria with linear growth, hemoglobin, iron status, and development in children aged 6-18 months in a setting of high malaria and undernutrition prevalence. METHODS: Prospective cohort study, conducted in Mangochi district, Malawi. We enrolled six-months-old infants and collected weekly data for 'presumed' malaria, diarrhea, and acute respiratory infections (ARI) until age 18 months. Change in length-for-age z-scores (LAZ), stunting, hemoglobin, iron status, and development were assessed at age 18 months. We used ordinary least squares regression for continuous outcomes and modified Poisson regression for categorical outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 2723 children enrolled, 2016 (74.0%) had complete measurements. The mean (standard deviation) incidences of 'presumed' malaria, diarrhea, and ARI, respectively were: 1.4 (2.0), 4.6 (10.1), and 8.3 (5.0) episodes/child year. Prevalence of stunting increased from 27.4 to 41.5% from 6 to 18 months. 'Presumed' malaria incidence was associated with higher risk of stunting (risk ratio [RR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01 to 1.07, p = 0.023), anemia (RR = 1.02, 95%CI = 1.00 to 1.04, p = 0.014) and better socio-emotional scores (B = - 0.21, 95%CI = - 0.39 to - 0.03, p = 0.041), but not with change in LAZ, haemoglobin, iron status or other developmental outcomes. Diarrhea incidence was associated with change in LAZ (B = - 0.02; 95% CI = - 0.03 to - 0.01; p = 0.009), stunting (RR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.03; p = 0.005), and slower motor development. ARI incidence was not associated with any outcome except for poorer socio-emotional scores. CONCLUSION: In this population of young children living in a malaria-endemic setting, with active surveillance and treatment, 'presumed' malaria is not associated with change in LAZ, hemoglobin, or iron status, but could be associated with stunting and anemia. Diarrhea was more consistently associated with growth than was malaria or ARI. The findings may be different in contexts where active malaria surveillance and treatment is not provided. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00945698 (July 24, 2009) and NCT01239693 (November 11, 2010).

Improved Information and Educational Messages on Outer Packaging of Micronutrient Powders Distributed in Indonesia Increase Caregiver Knowledge and Adherence to Recommended Use.

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of improved information and educational messages on outer packaging of a micronutrient powder (MNP), locally known as “Taburia”, on knowledge and adherence to recommended use. A community-based cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among 1149 caregivers and their children aged 6⁻36 months. Caregiver⁻child dyads were randomized by their villages to receive 30 sachets of Taburia with the: (i) original outer packaging; (ii) improved outer packaging; or (iii) improved outer packaging combined with cooking demonstrations. Adherence to Taburia use was assessed through caregiver interviews and observation of unused sachets during home visits; “high” adherence was defined as consuming 13⁻17 sachets in the previous month. Data collection included surveys and focus groups discussions. The majority of caregivers (>80%) preferred the improved packaging because it was more attractive and contained more comprehensive information. Caregivers who received the improved packaging had better knowledge regarding the recommended use of Taburia (p < 0.001) and higher adherence with the prescribed use of Taburia (43% with “high” adherence) (p < 0.001) than those who received the original packaging (29% with “high” adherence). Caregivers who participated in cooking demonstrations generally had better knowledge regarding the benefits of Taburia and recommended use, but this did not lead to higher adherence to recommended use. “Underconsumption” of Taburia (≤7 sachets) was much less prevalent than “overconsumption” (≥23 sachets), and original packaging users were more likely to consume Taburia daily instead of every two days as recommended. We conclude that the design of the outer packaging and comprehensiveness of information provided are important influencers of recommended MNP use by caregivers.

Education and micronutrient deficiencies: an ecological study exploring interactions between women's schooling and children's micronutrient status.

BACKGROUND: Formal education can be a nutrition-sensitive intervention that supports the scale-up and impact of nutrition-specific actions. Maternal education has long been linked to child survival, growth, and development while adult earnings and nutrition are tied to years in school as a child. However, less is known about the relationship between maternal education and the micronutrient status of children, women and the general population. METHODS: Using country-level data and an ecological study design, we explored the global associations between women's educational attainment and: a) anemia and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children aged 6-59 months; b) anemia in non-pregnant women; and c) zinc deficiency, urinary iodine excretion (UIE), and the proportion of infants protected against iodine deficiency in the general population Cross-sectional relationships (2005-2013) were assessed using linear regression models. RESULTS: Percentage of women without schooling was negatively associated with all outcomes. Number of years of schooling among women was positively associated with all outcomes except for UIE and the proportion of infants protected against iodine deficiency. Income level was a significant effect modifier of the effect of years of women's schooling on child anemia as well as of the proportion of women without formal education on zinc deficiency in the population. The relationship was strongest in low-income countries for child anemia, and was not significant in upper middle-income countries. For zinc deficiency, the relationship was not significant in low or lower middle income countries, which may suggest that a minimum threshold of resources needs to be reached before education can influence zinc status. CONCLUSIONS: While relationships between maternal schooling and micronutrient outcomes vary around the globe, more schooling is generally linked to lower rates of deficiency. These findings draw policy-relevant connections between formal education and anemia and micronutrient status globally. It is necessary to examine the mechanisms through which this relationship may be working at both household and country level.

Composition of urinary calculi in infants: a report from an endemic country.

Pediatric urolithiasis remains endemic in low-resource countries where infants constitute 17-40% of all children with urolithiasis. This study reports socio-economic factors, medical history and chemical composition of urinary stones in 976 infants of up to 2 years of age. Between 1992 and 2016, 976 infants presented to our institute with 1038 stones. Chemical composition of stones was analyzed by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mean age of infants was 19.5 ± 5.74 months with a M:F ratio of 5.5:1. Half (50%) of the infants were rural dwellers, 90% belonged to low socio-economic class and 70% were malnourished. A history of chronic diarrhoea was reported in 13% and urinary tract infections in 5%. The anatomic location was bladder in 487 (46.9%), kidney in 246 (23.6%), ureter in 142 (13.6%), urethra in 2 (0.2%) and 161 (15.5%) were passed spontaneously. Overall frequency of compounds in stones showed ammonium acid urate (AAU) in 772 (74.37%), calcium oxalate (CaOx) in 410 (39.5%). Uric acid (UA) in 119 (11.46%), calcium phosphate apatite (CaP) in 96 (9.25%), magnesium ammonium phosphate (Struvite) in 45 (4.34%), cystine in 12 (1.16%) and xanthine in 40 (3.85%). Frequency of compounds was similar in genders. Infants of age 0-6 months had higher frequency of UA (28%), CaOx (50%) and low AAU (61%) as compared to 11, 39 and 75%, respectively, in 7-24 months (p < 0.049) (p < 0.002) (p < 0.001). Nucleus of stones showed pure AAU in 63 and 43% on the surface due to addition of CaOx, struvite and CaP. Our study has shown that AAU is a major component of stones in infants where the main risk factors are poverty, malnutrition, diarrheal diseases and dehydration.