Abstract
Background: Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) is a quick and easy method to determine malnutrition. Though considered age independent earlier, recently World Health Organization (WHO) has prepared MUAC Z score chart for age group between 3 months to 5 years. Objective: To diagnose severe acute malnutrition (SAM) by using new WHO MUAC-Z score and to compare its efficacy with IAP classification for the diagnosis of SAM. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center of north east India. 500 children in the age group of 1 to 5 years, attending inpatient department, were included and a detailed history, clinical examination and anthropometry were taken. SAM was defined by IAP weight for age classification as grade 3 and 4 and by WHO MAUC-Z score <-3SD. Results: Prevalence of SAM according to IAP grading was 11.8% and according to WHO MUAC was 17% with difference being significant (p<0.05). The mean values of weight and MUAC were less than WHO median values which suggest that there is significant malnutrition in the study population. Prevalence of SAM was more in <2 years of age. Conclusion: MUAC is more sensitive than IAP grading in early diagnosis of SAM and facilitate early and effective treatment. New WHO MUAC-Z score alone can be used in screening malnutrition.
Highlights
Malnutrition is a man-made disease which often starts in the womb and ends in the tomb [1]
Grading of PEM is done by various classifications like IAP Classification, World Health Organization (WHO) Classification and Welcome Trust Classification [1]
The present study was conducted in Silchar Medical College and Hospital situated in Silchar, Cachar district in Assam, India
Summary
Malnutrition is a man-made disease which often starts in the womb and ends in the tomb [1]. Under nutrition and malnutrition form the most serious human health and social problem that affect vast areas of the world with much more prevalence in the developing and underdeveloped countries. The anthropometric measures useful in evaluating PEM include weight for age, height/length for age, weight for height/length, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and so on. Based on these measurements, the indices can be categorised into age dependent and age independent. Objective: To diagnose severe acute malnutrition (SAM) by using new WHO MUAC-Z score and to compare its efficacy with IAP classification for the diagnosis of SAM. SAM was defined by IAP weight for age classification as grade 3 and 4 and by WHO MAUC-Z score
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