Abstract
Acute malnutrition is a nutritional deficiency resulting from either inadequate energy or protein intake. Children with primary acute malnutrition are common in developing countries as a result of inadequate food supply caused by social, economic, and environmental factors. Secondary acute malnutrition is usually due to an underlying disease causing abnormal nutrient loss, increased energy expenditure, or decreased food intake. Acute malnutrition leads to biochemical changes based on metabolic, hormonal, and glucoregulatory mechanisms. Most children with primary acute malnutrition can be managed at home with nutrition-specific interventions (i.e., counseling of parents, ensuring household food security, etc.). In case of severe acute malnutrition and complications, inpatient treatment is recommended. Secondary acute malnutrition should be managed by treating the underlying cause.
Highlights
Acute malnutrition is a nutritional deficiency resulting from either inadequate protein or energy intake
Primary acute malnutrition in children is the result of inadequate food supply caused by socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors, and it is most commonly seen in low- and middle-income countries [4,5]
The aim of this review is to describe the pathophysiology and main clinical aspects of acute malnutrition in childhood, and to provide an overview of the current recommendations on management based on acute malnutrition type, cause and severity
Summary
Acute malnutrition is a nutritional deficiency resulting from either inadequate protein or energy intake. Olsen et al [1] defined protein energy malnutrition as nutritional deprivation amongst children in developing countries. According to the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) [3], pediatric malnutrition is defined as “an imbalance between nutrient requirement and intake, resulting in cumulative deficits of energy, protein, or micronutrients that may negatively affect growth, development, and other relevant outcomes.”. Primary acute malnutrition in children is the result of inadequate food supply caused by socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors, and it is most commonly seen in low- and middle-income countries [4,5]. Despite differences in measures of malnutrition, these studies clearly document a significant prevalence of malnutrition even in the developed world [4]
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