Malnutrition in Hospitalized Children: Prevalence, Impact, and Management

Abstract

Purpose Malnutrition in hospitalized children has been reported since the late 1970s. The prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition was examined in hospitalized patients in a general pediatric unit, and the impact and management of malnutrition were assessed. Methods The nutritional risk score (NRS) and nutritional status (NS) (weight, height, body mass index, and skinfold thickness) of children aged zero to 18 years were assessed upon hospital admission. Growth and energy intake were monitored every three days until discharge. Results A total of 173 children (median age three years, 88 girls) participated; 79.8% had a moderate to severe NRS and 13.3% were acutely and/or chronically malnourished. A high NRS was associated with a longer hospital stay in children older than three years (P<0.05), while a poor NS (weight for height percentile) was correlated with prolonged hospitalization in children aged three years or younger (P<0.05). Although weight did not change during hospitalization, a decrease in skinfolds was documented (n=43, P<0.05). Patients with a high NRS had lower energy intake than those not at risk. However, children with abnormal NS received 92.5% of recommended energy intake. Conclusions This study suggests that all children admitted to hospital should have an evaluation of their NRS and NS, so that they can receive appropriate nutrition interventions provided by a multidisciplinary nutrition team.