Facility-Based Treatment of Severe Malnutrition

Abstract

Malnutrition is a major underlying cause of death in infants and young children, necessitating improved prevention and treatment. This article provides an overview of the etiology, clinical features, and pathophysiology of severe malnutrition, together with a detailed account of its treatment based on WHO guidelines. Key actions are described that reduce the risk of death during treatment, particularly deaths from hypoglycemia, hypothermia, sepsis, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalance. Management of severely malnourished children with associated infections (diarrhea, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and HIV) is included.