FACTORS INFLUENCING MORTALITY IN HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Authors

Dr. Babypraveena A; Dr. Durga A; Dr. Suganya M Author

Keywords:

Severe Acute Malnutrition, Child Mortality, Sepsis, Retroviral Positivity, Systemic Illness, Pediatric Nutrition.

Abstract

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a major contributor to childhood mortality in resource-limited settings. Identifying risk factors for mortality in hospitalized SAM children is critical for improving outcomes. This study evaluates factors associated with mortality in children with SAM at a tertiary care facility.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Government Sivagangai Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India, from January 2023 to June 2023. It included 120 children aged 6 months to 5 years with SAM. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified mortality risk factors, with statistical significance at p<0.05.
Results: Of 120 children, 21 (17.5%) died. Univariate analysis identified systemic illness, sepsis, and retroviral positivity as significant risk factors (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed these as independent predictors (p<0.05). Age, sex, and nutritional status were not significant.
Conclusion: Systemic illness, sepsis, and retroviral positivity are key independent risk factors for mortality in hospitalized SAM children. Targeted interventions addressing these factors are essential to reduce mortality.